甄 (zhēn) - To examine, distinguish, or discern & also a Chinese surname.

甄Tone 1

zhēn ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

丈志

甄 · zhēn

To examine, distinguish, or discern;

also a Chinese surname.

To examine, distinguish, or discernalso a Chinese surname.

Usage highlights

To screen and selectTo distinguish and identifyTo examine and judgeTo discern talentZhen surnameTo examine and record

Synonyms

  • 辨— to distinguish, differentiate
  • 审— to examine, investigate
  • 鉴— to inspect, examine

Antonyms

  • 混— to mix, confuse
  • 淆— to confuse, mix up

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The company carefully screens job applicants (甄选).
  • Archaeologists identify ancient artifacts (甄别文物).
  • She comes from the Zhen family (甄氏家族).
  • The process involves careful discrimination (甄辨过程).

Collocations

  • To screen and select(甄选)
  • To distinguish and identify(甄别)
  • To examine and judge(甄审)
  • To discern talent(甄才)
  • Zhen surname(甄姓)
  • To examine and record(甄录)

Idioms

  • To examine virtue and employ talent(甄才举德)
  • To screen and select outstanding individuals(甄奇录异)
  • To distinguish right from wrong(甄辨是非)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the process of making pottery, later extended to mean examining and distinguishing.
  • The character is associated with the ancient state of Zhen during the Spring and Autumn period.
  • Famous historical figure Zhen Luo from the Three Kingdoms period was known for her beauty and intelligence.
  • The surname Zhen is relatively rare but has ancient origins dating back to the Shun period.

FAQ