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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.
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.
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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Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 颈?
Decomposition of 颈
IDS Structure⿰？页
颈Full Character
=
页ye4
left
Exercise 1 of 1
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 颈?
How to say neck in Chinese
“neck” in Chinese is颈jǐng
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.
When to use 颈
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.
颈 or something close to it
喉 (hóu) - use 颈 (jǐng) for the neck area, while 喉 (hóu) specifically refers to the throat.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 颈
颈
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Practice writing 颈 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
