chén

Chún is the Mandarin Chinese word written as 纯 in simplified script and 純 in traditional script. It is an adjective meaning pure, unmixed, clean, or genuine, and it can describe substances, qualities, or intents that are not artificial or adulterated. The standard pronunciation is chún with the second tone.

In usage, chún appears in many compounds and phrases to emphasize purity or authenticity. Examples include 纯净 (chúnjìng, pure/clean), 纯粹 (chúncuì, pure/purely), 纯真 (chúnzhēn, innocent, guileless), 纯度 (chún dù, purity), and 纯化 (chúnhuà, to purify). Other common terms are 纯天然 (chún tiānrán, natural), 纯色 or 纯色彩 (chún sè, solid color), and 纯银 (chún yín, pure silver). In acoustics or signal processing, 纯音 (chún yīn) refers to a pure tone. The word often carries a positive connotation of sincerity, integrity, or high quality.

Orthography and etymology notes: the simplified character 纯 is derived from the traditional 純, with left-side radical related to silk/quality (纟) and a right-side component that signals the notion of untainted or unadulterated state. The concept of purity expressed by chún has deep historical roots in Chinese philosophy and daily language, and it remains a common descriptor across science, consumer goods, and culture.

Beyond its everyday use, chún also appears in personal names and literature, where it conveys a sense of genuineness or unembellished character. It is distinct from 春 (chūn, spring) and should be read as chún when referring to purity.