unknown, 9 strokes, radical 刂, rank #51334, Very Hard
荆
jīng
alternative name for the Zhou Dynasty State of Chu 楚國|楚国[Chu3 Guo2]
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 刂, rank #51334, Very Hard
jīng(jing1) T1
1thorns, brambles; surname
2chaste tree or berry (Vitex agnus-castus)
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March 24, 2026
荆(荊)jīng(jing1)
荆 (jīng) primarily refers to thorns or brambles, often associated with harsh or challenging environments. It can also denote the chaste tree, known for its medicinal properties, and serves as a surname in Chinese culture. The character is sometimes used to reference the ancient State of Chu during the Zhou Dynasty, highlighting its historical significance.
Strokes9Radical刂Frequency#51334DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the chaste tree (荆) is valued for its therapeutic properties, linking the character to health and wellness practices in Chinese culture. Additionally, the State of Chu plays a crucial role in Chinese history, known for its contributions to culture and philosophy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a jungle filled with thorny brambles (荆) that prick your skin. The character looks like a bush with pointed edges, reminding you of the painful thorns. 'Jīng' sounds like 'jingling' which you might hear when you step on these sharp plants while walking.
Meanings of 荆
jīng(jing1)
1thorns, brambles; surname
2chaste tree or berry (Vitex agnus-castus)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 荆
荆Simplified
荊Traditional
9Strokes
刂Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 荆
Podcast: 荆
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AI Study Notes for 荆
Usage Notes
荆 is more commonly used in literary or historical contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words. It is often paired with terms like '荆棘' (jīng jí), meaning thorns, in discussions about obstacles.
HSK Study Tips
Although 荆 is not in the official HSK levels, it can be connected to HSK 4 vocabulary related to nature or plants. Focus on its usage in historical texts and literature, as recognizing its context will enhance comprehension.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 荆 with similar characters like 茭 (jiāo) which refers to a type of reed. Remember that 荆 specifically relates to thorns. Additionally, some learners might forget the correct tone, pronouncing it as 'jing' instead of 'jīng'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 荆
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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 荆? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 荆?
Decomposition of 荆
IDS Structure⿰⿱艹开刂
荆Full Character
=
艹cao3
top
开kai1
bottom
刂dao1
Exercise 1 of 3
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 荆?
How to say thorns, brambles; surname in Chinese
“thorns, brambles; surname” in Chinese is荆jīng
荆 (jīng) primarily refers to thorns or brambles, often associated with harsh or challenging environments. It can also denote the chaste tree, known for its medicinal properties, and serves as a surname in Chinese culture. The character is sometimes used to reference the ancient State of Chu during the Zhou Dynasty, highlighting its historical significance.
When to use 荆
荆 is more commonly used in literary or historical contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words. It is often paired with terms like '荆棘' (jīng jí), meaning thorns, in discussions about obstacles.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 荆 with similar characters like 茭 (jiāo) which refers to a type of reed. Remember that 荆 specifically relates to thorns. Additionally, some learners might forget the correct tone, pronouncing it as 'jing' instead of 'jīng'.
Write 荆
荆
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Practice writing 荆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 荆
荆 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 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
理查德·张伯伦已经同意接拍《____棘鸟》的续集。
Richard Chamberlain has agreed to make a sequel to "The Thorn Birds".
