深刻 (shēnkè) — Profound, deep, incisive

深刻 (shēnkè)

深刻 describes something that is profound, deeply meaningful, or incisive -- it is used for ideas, impressions, experiences, and analyses that go beyond the surface and leave a lasting or significant impact.

Meanings

1. [adj] profound; deep; incisive; penetrating; deeply felt

Example Sentences

这部电影留给我非常深刻的印象。 Zhè bù diànyǐng liú gěi wǒ fēicháng shēnkè de yìnxiàng. This film left a very profound impression on me.

他对社会问题的分析深刻而犀利。 Tā duì shèhuì wèntí de fēnxī shēnkè ér xīlì. His analysis of social issues is profound and incisive.

这次旅行让我对中国文化有了更深刻的理解。 Zhè cì lǚxíng ràng wǒ duì Zhōngguó wénhuà yǒule gèng shēnkè de lǐjiě. This trip gave me a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.

那场地震给当地居民留下了深刻的心理创伤。 Nà chǎng dìzhèn gěi dāngdì jūmín liúxiàle shēnkè de xīnlǐ chuāngshāng. That earthquake left deep psychological trauma on local residents.

这位哲学家提出了许多深刻的问题，引发了广泛讨论。 Zhè wèi zhéxuéjiā tíchūle xǔduō shēnkè de wèntí, yǐnfāle guǎngfàn tǎolùn. This philosopher raised many profound questions that sparked widespread discussion.

经历了失败之后，他对成功有了更深刻的认识。 Jīnglìle shībài zhīhòu, tā duì chénggōng yǒule gèng shēnkè de rènshí. After experiencing failure, he gained a deeper understanding of success.

Collocations

Usage Notes

深刻 is often paired with 印象 (impression) to form 深刻印象 (deep impression) -- one of the most common collocations. It is also frequently combined with 理解, 认识, and 影响 to express intellectual or emotional depth.

Distinguish 深刻 from 深入: 深入 focuses on the act of going deep (thorough investigation, going deep into a topic), while 深刻 focuses on the quality of depth (a profound idea, a deep impression). 深刻 is usually used with abstract nouns relating to understanding, impact, and meaning; 深入 is used for actions and processes.

Memory Hook

深 = deep, 刻 = to engrave/carve -- something so deep it is engraved -- leaving a profound, lasting mark.