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March 24, 2026
镜(鏡)jìng(jing4)
The character 镜 (jìng) refers to a mirror or lens, commonly used to describe reflective surfaces such as those found in makeup mirrors or optical devices. It can also denote glass in a more general sense. In everyday conversation, it is often associated with self-reflection, both literally and metaphorically.
Strokes16Radical钅Frequency#2503DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, mirrors are often associated with self-awareness and reflection. They are commonly used in traditional practices, such as feng shui, where mirrors are believed to enhance energy flow and protect against negative influences.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shiny mirror (镜) reflecting your image back to you. The character has a metal radical (金) on the left, symbolizing the metallic surface of a mirror, while the right side represents 'viewing' or 'seeing' (景). Picture yourself looking into this mirror to see your true self.
Meanings of 镜
jìng(jing4)
1mirror
2lens
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
Play it, then pick what 镜 means.
About 镜
镜Simplified
鏡Traditional
16Strokes
钅Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#2503Frequency Rank
Podcast: 镜
Podcast: 镜
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AI Study Notes for 镜
Quick Contrast
镜 (mirror) vs 玻璃 (glass) — use 镜 when specifically referring to a reflective surface, while 玻璃 refers to glass in a general sense.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 镜 with other similar-looking characters, like 静 (jìng), which means 'quiet.' This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, commonly appearing in phrases like '镜子' (jìngzi) for 'mirror' or '镜头' (jìngtóu) for 'lens.'
HSK Study Tips
While 镜 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with other words related to vision and reflection, such as 视 (shì, 'to see') and 影 (yǐng, 'shadow'). Students should focus on recognizing and using this character in everyday contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 镜 with similar characters due to their visual similarities. For example, using 静 (jìng, 'quiet') in place of 镜 when referring to a mirror. Ensure to remember that 镜 specifically relates to reflective surfaces.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 镜
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How Well Do You Know 镜?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 镜 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.
镜 = 钅 + 竟. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 镜
IDS Structure⿰钅竟
镜Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
竟jing4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 镜?
How to say mirror in Chinese
“mirror” in Chinese is镜jìng
The character 镜 (jìng) refers to a mirror or lens, commonly used to describe reflective surfaces such as those found in makeup mirrors or optical devices. It can also denote glass in a more general sense. In everyday conversation, it is often associated with self-reflection, both literally and metaphorically.
When to use 镜
Be careful not to confuse 镜 with other similar-looking characters, like 静 (jìng), which means 'quiet.' This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, commonly appearing in phrases like '镜子' (jìngzi) for 'mirror' or '镜头' (jìngtóu) for 'lens.'
镜 or something close to it
镜 (mirror) vs 玻璃 (glass) — use 镜 when specifically referring to a reflective surface, while 玻璃 refers to glass in a general sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 镜 with similar characters due to their visual similarities. For example, using 静 (jìng, 'quiet') in place of 镜 when referring to a mirror. Ensure to remember that 镜 specifically relates to reflective surfaces.
Write 镜
镜
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Practice writing 镜 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 镜
镜 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.
破镜重圆a shattered mirror put back together (idiom)破鏡重圓
后视镜rearview mirror後視鏡
镜框picture frame鏡框
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 镜
What does 镜头 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 镜
Yes, 镜 can be found in idiomatic expressions like '照镜子' (zhào jìngzi), meaning 'to look in the mirror,' which implies self-reflection or introspection. Such idioms enrich the language and provide deeper meanings.
Some common phrases that include 镜 are '镜子' (jìngzi), which means 'mirror,' and '望远镜' (wàngyuǎnjìng), meaning 'telescope.' These phrases illustrate the different applications of the character in everyday language.
To use 镜 in a sentence, you can say '我需要一面镜子' (Wǒ xūyào yī miàn jìngzi), which means 'I need a mirror.' It can also be used in phrases like '眼镜' (yǎnjìng), meaning 'glasses.' Understanding the context will help you use this character effectively.
镜 (jìng) means 'mirror' or 'lens' in Chinese. It can refer to various types of mirrors or lenses, including those used in glasses. The character is commonly used in contexts related to reflection and optics.
镜子 (jìngzi) specifically refers to a mirror, while 玻璃 (bōli) is a more general term for glass.
Yes, 镜 can symbolize self-reflection or insight, especially in phrases like '镜子里看到自己' (seeing oneself in the mirror).
Yes, common phrases include '照镜子' (to look in the mirror) and '镜头' (lens), especially in photography.
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