careful, cautious

慎 is composed of the radical 心 (heart) and 真 (genuine). 心 refers to the state of mind or spirit, while 真 is a pictograph of a hand pressing down on a tripod cauldron, which is a treasure symbolizing the state and supreme authority. When a person possesses supreme authority, every word and action must be careful and meticulous, as represented by 慎, meaning cautious or prudent.