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噤 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
噤jìnclose; quiet, silentn, 16 strokes, radical 口
噤jìnunable to speakunknown, 16 strokes, radical 口
jìn(jin4)jin T4
  1. 1close; quiet, silent
  2. 2unable to speak
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March 24, 2026

噤jìn(jin4)

The character 噤 (jìn) primarily means 'to be silent' or 'to close one's mouth.' It is often used in contexts where silence is required or when someone is unable to speak, emphasizing a state of quietness or restraint in communication. This character can be used in both literal and figurative senses, such as in discussions about discretion or the importance of silence in certain situations.

Strokes16Radical口
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, silence is often valued in communication, especially in formal or respectful discussions. The concept of 噤 can be linked to the importance of listening over speaking, reflecting cultural values around humility and restraint.

Memory tip

Imagine a person (口 - mouth) trying to speak but a large 'silencing' hand (the radical 噤) is pressing down over their mouth, symbolizing the act of closing or being quiet. Associate the sound 'jìn' with 'jinx' – a time when you might want to keep silent to avoid bad luck.

Meanings of 噤

jìn(jin4)
1close; quiet, silent
2unable to speak
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 噤

噤Simplified
16Strokes
口Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 噤

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Podcast: 噤

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AI study notes for 噤

Usage Notes

This character is relatively formal and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. Learners should be cautious about using 噤 in casual contexts where simpler words for 'quiet' or 'silent' are more appropriate. Additionally, it is important to ensure correct tone pronunciation as 'jìn' (fourth tone) can change the meaning entirely if mispronounced.

HSK Study Tips

Although 噤 is not part of the official HSK levels, it can be connected to words related to silence or quietness found in HSK vocabulary. Students at this level should focus on the nuances of silence in communication and practice using 噤 in appropriate contexts to enhance their understanding of tone and meaning.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 噤 with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings. For example, using 噤 when they mean 'to be quiet' in a casual context can come off as overly formal; a better choice would be 安静 (ān jìng).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 噤

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Etymology of 噤

Formation typeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory hint

Forbidden 禁 to speak 口; 禁 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 噤?

Decomposition of 噤

IDS Structure⿰口禁
噤Full character
=
口kou3
left
禁jin1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 噤?

How to say close; quiet, silent in Chinese

“close; quiet, silent” in Chinese is噤jìn

The character 噤 (jìn) primarily means 'to be silent' or 'to close one's mouth.' It is often used in contexts where silence is required or when someone is unable to speak, emphasizing a state of quietness or restraint in communication. This character can be used in both literal and figurative senses, such as in discussions about discretion or the importance of silence in certain situations.

When to use 噤

This character is relatively formal and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. Learners should be cautious about using 噤 in casual contexts where simpler words for 'quiet' or 'silent' are more appropriate. Additionally, it is important to ensure correct tone pronunciation as 'jìn' (fourth tone) can change the meaning entirely if mispronounced.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 噤 with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings. For example, using 噤 when they mean 'to be quiet' in a casual context can come off as overly formal; a better choice would be 安静 (ān jìng).

Write 噤

噤

Practice writing 噤 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 噤

噤 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

他转过头看着这个____若寒蝉的女孩,又重复了一遍他的问题。

He looked back at the abject, silent girl and repeated his question.

Example sentences for 噤 (1)

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1
他转过头看着这个噤若寒蝉的女孩,又重复了一遍他的问题。

tā zhuǎi guòtóu kàn zhe zhège jìn ruò hán chán de nǚ hái, yòu chóngfù le yī biàn tā de wèntí。

He looked back at the abject, silent girl and repeated his question.

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Word Family of 噤

Words containing this character3
噤若寒蝉jìnruòhánchánto keep quiet out of fear (idiom)噤若寒蟬
寒噤hánjìna shiver
噤jìnsilent
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 噤

What does 噤若寒蝉 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 噤

You can say 噤声 (jìn shēng) which means 'to keep silent' or 'to be quiet.'

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