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紧凑 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
紧凑jǐncòucompactHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #17508, Very Hard
紧凑jǐncòuterseHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #17508, Very Hard
紧凑jǐncòutight (schedule)HSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #17508, Very Hard
jǐncòu(jin3cou4)jin cou T3
  1. 1compact
  2. 2terse
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March 24, 2026

紧凑(緊湊)jǐncòu(jin3cou4)

紧凑 refers to something that is compact or closely arranged without wasted space. It is often used to describe schedules, plans, or objects that are efficiently organized and allow little room for extra elements. In conversation, it can also imply brevity in speech or writing.

Strokes21Frequency#17508DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In modern Chinese society, efficient time management is highly valued, especially in urban areas where busy schedules are the norm. The concept of a 紧凑 schedule reflects the fast-paced lifestyle many experience.

Memory tip

Think of '紧' (tight) and '凑' (gather together), visualizing a tightly packed suitcase where everything fits snugly. Imagine trying to close it, emphasizing the compactness that the word conveys.

Meanings of 紧凑

jǐncòu(jin3cou4)
1compact
2terse
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 紧凑

紧凑Simplified
緊湊Traditional
21Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

Podcast: 紧凑

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Podcast: 紧凑

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AI study notes for 紧凑

Quick Contrast

紧凑 (jǐncòu) vs 紧密 (jǐnmì) — use 紧凑 for describing efficiency in arrangement, while 紧密 emphasizes closeness or tightness between elements.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 紧凑 with similar words like 紧张 (nervous) or 凑合 (make do), as they have different implications. This term is more formal and often used in business contexts, especially when discussing schedules or arrangements.

HSK Study Tips

While 紧凑 is not in the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other adjectives describing conditions or states, such as 紧张 (tense) and 复杂 (complex). Focus on understanding how to use it in sentences about time management or organization.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 紧凑 by applying it to informal scenarios, such as casual conversations. For example, saying '我们的对话很紧凑' (Our conversation is tight) is awkward; instead, use it for schedules, like '我们的日程很紧凑' (Our schedule is compact).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 紧凑

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Component characters

紧jǐntight
HSK 510 strokes糸
View full entry
凑còuto gather together, pool or collect
HSK 711 strokes冫
View full entry

How to say compact in Chinese

“compact” in Chinese is紧凑jǐncòu

紧凑 refers to something that is compact or closely arranged without wasted space. It is often used to describe schedules, plans, or objects that are efficiently organized and allow little room for extra elements. In conversation, it can also imply brevity in speech or writing.

When to use 紧凑

Be careful not to confuse 紧凑 with similar words like 紧张 (nervous) or 凑合 (make do), as they have different implications. This term is more formal and often used in business contexts, especially when discussing schedules or arrangements.

紧凑 or something close to it

紧凑 (jǐncòu) vs 紧密 (jǐnmì) — use 紧凑 for describing efficiency in arrangement, while 紧密 emphasizes closeness or tightness between elements.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 紧凑 by applying it to informal scenarios, such as casual conversations. For example, saying '我们的对话很紧凑' (Our conversation is tight) is awkward; instead, use it for schedules, like '我们的日程很紧凑' (Our schedule is compact).

Write 紧凑

紧
凑

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Frequently asked questions about 紧凑

No, 紧凑 is typically used for objects or schedules, not to describe people.

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