Meanings of 矜
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About 矜
Podcast: 矜
Podcast: 矜
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AI Study Notes for 矜
怜 (lián) vs 矜 (jīn): Use 矜 when emphasizing a sense of pride or self-esteem in addition to pity, while 怜 focuses solely on feelings of compassion.
This character is used in more formal contexts, often in literature or academic discussions about emotions. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure you use 矜 specifically for pity or esteem. Phrases like 矜恤 (jīn xù) mean to show pity.
Although 矜 is not included in the HSK levels, it is important for learners to recognize its emotional depth. Connect it with other emotional words such as 同情 (tóng qíng, to sympathize) and 自豪 (zì háo, to boast) to understand its usage better.
Learners often confuse 矜 with similar sounding characters like 斤 (jīn, weight), leading to misunderstandings. Be careful to use 矜 only when discussing feelings of sympathy or esteem.
Pronunciation of 矜
Drill the tone of 矜 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 矜
Phonosemantic compound. 矛 represents the meaning and 今 represents the sound.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 矜
Phonosemantic compound. 矛 represents the meaning and 今 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half矛 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half今 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayspear
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 矜? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 矜
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How to say to pity, to sympathize, to feel sorry for in Chinese
“to pity, to sympathize, to feel sorry for” in Chinese is矜
The character 矜 (jīn) primarily means to pity or sympathize with someone. It can also carry the nuance of boasting or esteeming oneself, highlighting a duality in its usage. Common contexts include expressing empathy in social situations or discussing someone’s pride.
When to use 矜
This character is used in more formal contexts, often in literature or academic discussions about emotions. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure you use 矜 specifically for pity or esteem. Phrases like 矜恤 (jīn xù) mean to show pity.
矜 or something close to it
怜 (lián) vs 矜 (jīn): Use 矜 when emphasizing a sense of pride or self-esteem in addition to pity, while 怜 focuses solely on feelings of compassion.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 矜 with similar sounding characters like 斤 (jīn, weight), leading to misunderstandings. Be careful to use 矜 only when discussing feelings of sympathy or esteem.
Write 矜
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Practice writing 矜 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 矜
矜 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 3 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.
Complete the Sentence
英国男人常被认为是____持而冷漠的。
British men are often seen as being reserved and unemotional.
Example Sentences for 矜 (4)
Word Family of 矜
Compound Meaning
What does 矜持 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 矜
Common phrases include 矜恤 (jīn xù) for showing pity and 矜持 (jīn chí) for being reserved or modest.
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