shēn

to extend

Original meaning: 

lightning

Depicts a lightning bolt. Based on the original meaning "lightning". The current meaning is a phonetic loan.

Evolution

申 Oracle script (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle script

(~1250-1000 BC)
申 Bronze script Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)

Bronze script

Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
申 Seal script Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal script

Shuowen (~100 AD)
申 Clerical script Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical script

Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
申 Regular script Modern

Regular script

Modern
Definitions

 

shēn

to state to a superior, report; extend; 9th terrestrial branch; to extend; to state; to explain; 9th earthly branch: 3-5 p.m., 7th solar month (7th August-7th September), year of the Monkey; ancient Chinese compass point: 240°

 

Shēn

old name for Shanghai 上海[Shàng​hǎi]; surname Shen

Most common words with 申
Freq.
Word
Meaning

申请

to apply for sth

to extend

申报

to declare (to customs)

重申

to reaffirm

申诉

complaint

Component uses

Meaning component in 4 characters (0 verified)

Sound component in 11 characters (4 verified)

Iconic component in 3 characters (3 verified)