Meaning
申 is a versatile character that primarily means to state, express, or apply for something formally. It appears frequently in official or bureaucratic contexts, such as 申请 (to apply) or 申报 (to declare). As a standalone character, it's less common in everyday speech but widely used in compounds.
Usage
Most commonly encountered in formal written contexts and compound words related to applications, declarations, or official statements. Native speakers rarely use 申 alone in casual conversation, preferring compounds like 申请 (apply), 申报 (declare), or 申明 (state clearly). The character also refers to the monkey in the Chinese zodiac and represents 3-5 PM in the traditional time system.
Examples
- 01我已经向公司申请了年假。.I have already applied to the company for annual leave.
- 02政府重申了对教育改革的承诺。.The government reiterated its commitment to education reform.
Common collocations
- 申请签证apply for a visa
- 申报收入declare income
- 重申立场reiterate one's position
Origin
The character 申 originally depicted lightning or something being stretched vertically. In ancient oracle bone script, it showed a zigzag line representing lightning extending from sky to earth, which evolved into meanings of extending, stating, and expressing outward.