adjective HSK 5
shēn
profound · deep · deeply felt

Meaning

深刻 describes something that has depth and significance, leaving a strong, lasting impression. It often refers to understanding, memories, experiences, or insights that penetrate beyond the surface level.

Usage

Commonly used to describe impressions (印象深刻), understanding (理解深刻), lessons (教训深刻), or experiences that have had a meaningful impact. It carries a positive connotation of depth and thoroughness, though it can describe both pleasant and unpleasant profound experiences.

Examples

  1. 01
    这次经历给我留下了深刻的印象。
    Zhè jīng gěi liú xià le shēn de yìn xiàng.
    This experience left a deep impression on me.
  2. 02
    他对中国文化有深刻的理解。
    duì Zhōng guó wén huà yǒu shēn de jiě.
    He has a profound understanding of Chinese culture.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 印象深刻
    yìn xiàng shēn
    to have a deep impression
  • 深刻的理解
    shēn de jiě
    profound understanding
  • 教训深刻
    jiào xùn shēn
    a profound lesson
  • 深刻反思
    shēn fǎn
    to deeply reflect

Antonyms

Origin

The word combines 深 (deep) with 刻 (to carve/engrave), suggesting something carved deeply, metaphorically representing lasting impressions or profound understanding.

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