真 (zhēn)
really; truly; indeed; real; true; genuine
- HSK 3.1 level 1
- 10 strokes
Etymology
Based on the original meaning "precious", now written as 珍. The meaning later shifted to "genuine" and "true".
Shuowen Jiezi
《說文》：“真，僊人變形而登天也。从，从目，从。八，所乘載也。，古文真。”
Components
- 𠂈 (sound) — Based on an ancient variant of 殄.
- 貝 (meaning) — In ancient China, shells were considered precious and were used as currency.
- 丁 (sound)