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紧紧 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
紧紧jǐnjǐncloselyHSK 5, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #5552, Hard
紧紧jǐnjǐntightlyHSK 5, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #5552, Hard
jǐnjǐn(jin3jin3)jin jin T3
  1. 1closely
  2. 2tightly
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March 24, 2026

紧紧(緊緊)jǐnjǐn(jin3jin3)

紧紧 means 'closely' or 'tightly' and describes a strong or firm manner of doing something. It is often used to convey the idea of holding something securely or being closely connected in a figurative sense.

Strokes20Frequency#5552DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of closeness is important in relationships and family ties, often reflected in the language. 紧紧 can be used to describe the bond between family members, emphasizing the value of strong connections.

Memory Tip

Imagine holding onto a rope very tightly (紧) so that it doesn’t slip from your hands. The repetition of the character (紧紧) emphasizes the idea of holding on firmly, making it easier to remember both the sound (jin3) and the meaning.

Meanings of 紧紧

jǐnjǐn(jin3jin3)
1closely
2tightly
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About 紧紧

紧紧Simplified
緊緊Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 紧紧

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Podcast: 紧紧

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AI Study Notes for 紧紧

Quick Contrast

紧 (tight) vs 紧密 (close-knit) — use 紧紧 for an emphasis on the manner of holding or doing, while 紧密 focuses more on the state of being closely connected.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of the context in which you use 紧紧; it is more common in informal speech. Avoid confusing it with 紧张 (nervous) as they are distinct, and remember that the tone is crucial in pronunciation.

HSK Study Tips

Although 紧紧 is not a specific HSK word, it ties into the themes of physical actions and descriptions at HSK 2. Focus on using it in sentences about actions like holding or embracing to reinforce your understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 紧紧 with other similar words like 紧张 or simply use it incorrectly in phrases. For example, saying '我紧紧的工作' (I tightly work) is incorrect; it should be '我工作很紧张' (I work very nervously) if conveying stress.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 紧紧

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Knowing 紧紧 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.

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Component Characters

紧jǐntight
HSK 510 strokes糸
View full entry
紧jǐntight
HSK 510 strokes糸
View full entry

How to say closely in Chinese

“closely” in Chinese is紧紧jǐnjǐn

紧紧 means 'closely' or 'tightly' and describes a strong or firm manner of doing something. It is often used to convey the idea of holding something securely or being closely connected in a figurative sense.

When to use 紧紧

Be mindful of the context in which you use 紧紧; it is more common in informal speech. Avoid confusing it with 紧张 (nervous) as they are distinct, and remember that the tone is crucial in pronunciation.

紧紧 or something close to it

紧 (tight) vs 紧密 (close-knit) — use 紧紧 for an emphasis on the manner of holding or doing, while 紧密 focuses more on the state of being closely connected.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 紧紧 with other similar words like 紧张 or simply use it incorrectly in phrases. For example, saying '我紧紧的工作' (I tightly work) is incorrect; it should be '我工作很紧张' (I work very nervously) if conveying stress.

Write 紧紧

紧
紧

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Frequently Asked Questions about 紧紧

Yes, you can use 紧紧 to describe emotional bonds, indicating that you hold someone dear to you.

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