‘呻经’ (shēn jīng) is a literary and somewhat archaic verb meaning 'to chant sutras'—specifically, to recite Buddhist scriptures aloud in a rhythmic, often solemn or mournful tone. The character 呻 (shēn) originally means 'to groan' or 'to moan', evoking the low, resonant, breathy vocal quality traditionally used in ritual chanting; 经 (jīng) means 'scripture' or 'sutra', referring to sacred Buddhist texts. Together, they emphasize the vocal, embodied practice of recitation rather than silent reading.

This term appears mainly in classical literature, historical narratives, or descriptions of monastic life—not in modern colloquial speech. It carries a reverent yet somber connotation, often implying devotion, discipline, or even sorrowful piety. While related to religious practice, it’s distinct from general terms like ‘诵经’ (sòng jīng), which is neutral and widely used today. ‘呻经’ is rarely heard outside literary, artistic, or scholarly contexts describing traditional Buddhist rituals.