神
shén · HSK 5
god
⚡ 申 (extend/state) + 礻(altar/ritual) = the divine extended through ritual
The radical 礻 marks ritual or worship contexts, while 申 originally depicted lightning extending across the sky. Together they name the supreme power addressed through ritual — god, spirit, the divine.
神 — 示 (altar/spirit) + 申 (lightning, phonetic)
神 combines 示, depicting an altar associated with rituals and spirits, with 申, originally a pictograph of lightning streaking across the sky. Ancient people saw lightning as a manifestation of divine power, so 申 contributes both sound and the idea of awe-inspiring force. Together they mean 'spirit' or 'god'.