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March 24, 2026
颈(頸)jǐng(jing3)
The character 颈 (jǐng) refers primarily to the neck region of the body, including both the physical neck and the throat area. It is commonly used in medical contexts or when discussing anatomy, as well as in idiomatic expressions related to the neck.
Strokes11Radical页Frequency#4554DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the neck (颈) is often associated with the flow of Qi (energy) and plays a significant role in acupuncture practices. Understanding this connection can deepen your appreciation of Chinese medical concepts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'jingling' necklace around your neck (颈), which is a reminder of the sound that draws attention to this body part. The character has a roof radical (亠) at the top, suggesting a protective cover, similar to how your head sits atop your neck.
Meanings of 颈
jǐng(jing3)
1neck
2neck, throat
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 颈
颈Simplified
頸Traditional
11Strokes
页Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#4554Frequency Rank
Podcast: 颈
Podcast: 颈
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AI Study Notes for 颈
Quick Contrast
喉 (hóu) - use 颈 (jǐng) for the neck area, while 喉 (hóu) specifically refers to the throat.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'jingling' necklace around your neck (颈), which is a reminder of the sound that draws attention to this body part. The character has a roof radical (亠) at the top, suggesting a protective cover, similar to how your head sits atop your neck.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 颈 (jǐng) with other characters like 脖 (bó), which also means neck but emphasizes the lower part. It's generally used in neutral contexts; however, when describing pain or discomfort, adding an adjective for severity can enhance clarity.
HSK Study Tips
Although 颈 is not listed in HSK levels, it is useful for learners at HSK 3 or higher when discussing health or body parts. Focus on its usage in phrases such as 颈部疼痛 (jǐng bù téng tòng) meaning 'neck pain' to build vocabulary related to health.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the neck (颈) is often associated with the flow of Qi (energy) and plays a significant role in acupuncture practices. Understanding this connection can deepen your appreciation of Chinese medical concepts.
Common Mistakes
A common error is mispronouncing the tone as jīng instead of jǐng. Another mistake is using 颈 in contexts where 脖 would be more appropriate, such as when referring to the backbone area.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 颈
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Grammar Patterns of 颈
颈 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 4
Complete the Sentence
有人坠落压在他身上，致使他____部受重伤。
He sustained serious neck injuries after he broke someone's fall.
Example Sentences for 颈 (10)
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1
有人坠落压在他身上，致使他颈部受重伤。
yǒu rén zhuì luò yā zài tā shēn shàng， ， zhì shǐ tā jǐng bù shòu zhòng。
He sustained serious neck injuries after he broke someone's fall.
The seven-year-old was found crying with scratches on his face and neck.
4
指压按摩用于缓解肩部和颈部的紧张。
zhǐ yā àn mó yòng yú huǎn jiě jiān bù hé jǐng bù de jǐn zhāng。
Acupressure is used to release tension spots in the shoulders and neck.
5
猫咬住幼崽的后颈把它叼了起来.
māo yǎo zhù yòu zǎi de hòu jǐng bǎ tā diāo le qǐ lái.
The cat picked up her kitten by the scruff of its neck.
6
她举起双手放于颈后。
tā jǔ qǐ shuāng shǒu fàng yú jǐng hòu。
She raised her hands to the back of her neck.
7
接近马厩时，他勒马缓行，轻拍它的脖颈。
jiē jìn mǎ jiù shí， ， tā lè mǎ huǎn， háng ， qīng pāi tā de。
As he neared the stable, he slowed the horse and patted it on the neck.
8
空中摇曳的乱麻缠住了他的颈, 伞绳撕碎了伞顶.
kōng zhōng yáo yè de luàn má chán zhù le tā de jǐng, , sǎn shéng sī suì le sǎn.
The risers swung around his neck, connectors cracked his dome.
9
她戴着颈托。
tā dài zháo jǐng tuō。
She wears a neck brace.
10
目击者说那名女子从花束中拔出一把刀来，扎进了他的颈部。
mù jī zhě shuō nà míng nǚ zǐ cóng huā shù zhōng bá chū yī bǎ dāo lái， ， zā jìn le tā de jǐng。
Observers say the woman pulled a knife out of the bunch of flowers and stabbed him in the neck.
Cultural Notes for 颈
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the neck (颈) is often associated with the flow of Qi (energy) and plays a significant role in acupuncture practices. Understanding this connection can deepen your appreciation of Chinese medical concepts.
Word Family of 颈
Words Containing This Character17
颈jǐngneck頸
瓶颈píngjǐngbottleneck瓶頸
颈部jǐngbùneck頸部
颈椎jǐngzhuīcervical vertebra頸椎
长颈鹿giraffe長頸鹿
宫颈cervix宮頸
头颈(dialect) neck頭頸
颈椎病cervical spondylosis頸椎病
颈项neck頸項
子宫颈cervix子宮頸
子宫颈癌cervical cancer子宮頸癌
颈子neck頸子
黑颈鹤(bird species of China) black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis)黑頸鶴
引颈to crane one's neck引頸
吊颈to hang oneself吊頸
赤颈鹤(bird species of China) sarus crane (Grus antigone)赤頸鶴
延颈企踵to stand on tiptoe and crane one's neck (idiom); fig. to yearn for sth延頸企踵
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 颈 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 颈
It is pronounced as 'jǐng' with a falling-rising tone.
Yes, it can be used in phrases like '绳子勒住了我的颈' (The rope is choking my neck).
颈 refers more generally to the neck area, while 脖 specifically denotes the part of the neck below the jaw.
