How common it is
沉 appears often in everyday Chinese, so it is worth practicing early and reviewing often.
Pronunciation focus
Say chén slowly first, then repeat it in a short phrase. Listen for the tone shape.
Usage note
沉表示往下掉，也表示不轻。
chén biǎo shì wǎng xià diào， yě biǎo shì bù qīng。
沉 means to sink or be heavy.
Context note
沉常用于水、声音和感觉。
chén cháng yòng yú shuǐ 、 shēng yīn hé gǎn jué。
It is often used for water, sound, and feeling.
5 examples
石头沉下去了。
shí tou chén xià qù le。
The stone sank down.
这个箱子很沉。
zhè ge xiāng zǐ hěn chén。
This box is very heavy.
他的声音很沉。
tā de shēng yīn hěn chén。
His voice is deep.
天色慢慢沉下来。
tiān sè màn màn chén xià lái。
The sky slowly got dark.
他心里很沉。
tā xīn lǐ hěn chén。
He felt heavy in his heart.
5 mini stories
船慢慢沉入水中。
chuán màn màn chén rù shuǐ zhōng。
The boat slowly sank into the water.
这个包太沉了，拿不动。
zhè ge bāo tài chén le， ná bú dòng。
This bag is too heavy to carry.
她听到消息后心情很沉。
tā tīng dào xiāo xī hòu xīn qíng hěn chén。
She felt heavy after hearing the news.
天黑得很快，气氛也沉下来。
tiān hēi dé hěn kuài， qì fēn yě chén xià lái。
It got dark quickly, and the atmosphere became heavy.
他沉默了一会儿才回答。
tā chén mò le yí huì er cái huí dá。
He was silent for a while before answering.