Meanings of 矜
By ear
Play it, then pick what 矜 means.
About 矜
Podcast: 矜
Podcast: 矜
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 矜 to you
Let me explain 矜 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 矜 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 矜?
Learning Lab
Knowing 矜 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 矜
Phonosemantic compound. 矛 represents the meaning and 今 represents the sound.
spear
Origin
矜 = 矛 + 今. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 矜
Parts
Which of these is part of 矜?
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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 矜?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Word Family of 矜
Words with 矜
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.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 矜?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.