深刻 (shēnkè)

深刻 describes something that is profound, penetrating, or deeply perceptive. It is used to describe insights, impressions, analyses, lessons, and experiences that go well beneath the surface and leave a lasting impact on one's understanding.

Meanings

[adjective] Profound; deep; incisive; penetrating; deeply felt.

Example Sentences

这部小说对人性的描写非常深刻，读完让人久久难以忘怀。 Zhè bù xiǎoshuō duì rénxìng de miáoxiě fēicháng shēnkè, dú wán ràng rén jiǔjiǔ nányǐ wànghuái. This novel's portrayal of human nature is very profound; after finishing it, the impression lingers for a long time.

这次失败给他留下了深刻的教训，让他更加成熟稳重。 Zhè cì shībài gěi tā liúxià le shēnkè de jiàoxùn, ràng tā gèngjiā chéngshú wěnzhòng. This failure left him with a profound lesson and made him more mature and composed.

她对这个问题有着深刻的理解，分析起来头头是道。 Tā duì zhège wèntí yǒuzhe shēnkè de lǐjiě, fēnxī qǐlái tóutóushìdào. She has a profound understanding of this issue and analyzes it in a clear and systematic way.

第一次来到这座城市，它的历史底蕴给我留下了深刻印象。 Dì yī cì láidào zhè zuò chéngshì, tā de lìshǐ dǐyùn gěi wǒ liúxià le shēnkè yìnxiàng. The first time I came to this city, its historical depth left a deep impression on me.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
深刻印象	deep impression
深刻理解	profound understanding
深刻教训	profound lesson
深刻影响	profound influence
印象深刻	make a deep impression

Usage Notes

深刻 is primarily used with abstract nouns like impressions, lessons, understanding, and influence. The phrase 给…留下深刻印象 (to leave a deep impression on someone) and the predicate form 印象深刻 (the impression is deep/I am deeply impressed) are both very common at B1 level and above. 深刻 differs from 深 (deep) in that it specifically conveys intellectual or emotional penetration, not just physical depth.

Memory Hook

深 means "deep" and 刻 means "to carve/engrave." A deep carving leaves a lasting mark. Something 深刻 cuts deep into your mind, leaving an engraving that cannot be erased.