神
shén · god / deity / spirit💡 How to pronounce
sh → like the 'sh' in 'shirt' with curled-back tongue. én → like 'un' in 'under' but with a rising tone.
📖 The Story
神 is a god — a being of power and mystery. The character combines 'spirit' (礻) and 'to extend' (申) — a spirit that extends beyond the visible world. In Chinese mythology, gods are everywhere — in the mountains, rivers, and stars.
🎬 In Culture Today
Chinese mythology is full of gods — the Kitchen God who reports on families, the Door Gods who protect homes, the God of Wealth who brings fortune, and countless others. In movies like Journey to the West, gods and demons battle for control of the world.
📚 Words
📝 Example Sentences
我喜欢读神话故事。
I like reading myths.
这个地方很神秘。
This place is very mysterious.