贞 (zhēn) - virtuous & chaste

贞Tone 1

zhēn ｜ 6 strokes ｜ radical: 贝

丈志

贞 · zhēn

virtuous;

chaste;

pure;

loyal;

steadfast;

divination;

to test or prove

virtuouschastepure

Usage highlights

ChastityVirtuous womanLoyalty and integrityDivinationPure and chasteSteadfast

Synonyms

  • 忠— loyal, faithful
  • 诚— sincere, honest
  • 洁— pure, clean

Antonyms

  • 淫— licentious, lewd
  • 奸— treacherous, wicked

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She is a virtuous woman (贞女).
  • The ancient practice of divination (贞卜).
  • He remained loyal to his principles (贞节).
  • This proves the theory (贞定).

Collocations

  • Chastity(贞操)
  • Virtuous woman(贞女)
  • Loyalty and integrity(贞节)
  • Divination(贞卜)
  • Pure and chaste(贞洁)
  • Steadfast(贞固)

Idioms

  • Pure as ice and clean as jade(冰清玉洁)
  • Maintain chastity unto death(守贞至死)
  • Firm and unyielding(坚贞不屈)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, 贞 was associated with divination practices on oracle bones.
  • The character evolved to emphasize moral virtues, particularly female chastity in Confucian ethics.
  • It represents the ideal of unwavering loyalty and integrity in personal conduct.

FAQ