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March 24, 2026
径(徑)jìng(jing4)
径 (jìng) primarily refers to a path or track, often used in contexts related to footpaths or routes taken. It can also denote diameter in a geometrical sense, indicating a straight line through the center of a circle. The word conveys a sense of directness or straightforwardness in both physical and metaphorical uses.
Strokes8Radical彳Frequency#24888DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese gardens, the design often incorporates various 径 (paths) that lead to different scenic spots, reflecting the importance of nature and tranquility in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a straight path (径) where you can walk directly to your destination without any detours. The character's radical '水' suggests fluidity, hinting at a clear route, while the sound 'jìng' can remind you of 'jingling' keys that guide you straight to your door.
Meanings of 径
jìng(jing4)
1footpath
2track
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 径
径Simplified
徑Traditional
8Strokes
彳Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#24888Frequency Rank
Podcast: 径
Podcast: 径
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AI Study Notes for 径
Quick Contrast
径 (jìng) vs 路 (lù) — use 径 when emphasizing a narrow or specific path, while 路 refers to a broader road or way.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a straight path (径) where you can walk directly to your destination without any detours. The character's radical '水' suggests fluidity, hinting at a clear route, while the sound 'jìng' can remind you of 'jingling' keys that guide you straight to your door.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 径 with other similar-sounding words. It's important to use it in contexts related to paths or diameter, avoiding situations where a more general term like 路 (lù) would be appropriate. Note that it is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
While 径 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it relates to level 4 and above words dealing with locations and directions. Focus on its use in phrases like '直径' (zhíjīng - diameter) to connect with geometrical vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese gardens, the design often incorporates various 径 (paths) that lead to different scenic spots, reflecting the importance of nature and tranquility in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 径 by applying it in informal contexts where simpler words like 路 (lù) are more appropriate. For example, saying '我走径回家' (Wǒ zǒu jìng huí jiā) instead of '我走路回家' (Wǒ zǒu lù huí jiā - I walk home).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 径
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Grammar Patterns of 径
径 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 6 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.
There is a 2 mile coastal walk from Craster to Newton.
8
铺好的宽阔道路渐渐变窄,成了一条崎岖不平的小径.
pū hǎo de kuān kuò dào lù jiàn jiàn biàn zhǎi, , chéng le yī tiáo qí qū bù píng de xiǎo.
The wide paved road degenerated into a narrow bumpy track.
9
那是田径比赛结束的前一天。
nà shì tián jìng bǐ sài jié shù de qián yī tiān。
It's the last but one day in the athletics programme.
10
他们的生活与他那贫苦的童年生活相比大相径庭。
tā mén de shēng huó yǔ tā nà pín kǔ de tóng nián shēng huó xiāng bǐ dà xiāng jìng tíng。
Their lives are a far cry from his own poor childhood.
Cultural Notes for 径
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese gardens, the design often incorporates various 径 (paths) that lead to different scenic spots, reflecting the importance of nature and tranquility in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 径
Words Containing This Character20
途径tújìngway途徑
口径kǒujìngcaliber口徑
直径zhíjìngdiameter直徑
捷径shortcut捷徑
径jìngtrack徑
田径tiánjìngtrack and field (athletics)田徑
路径path路徑
半径radius半徑
行径path行徑
径直directly徑直
大相径庭poles apart大相徑庭
小径alley小徑
径自without leave徑自
蹊径path蹊徑
径向radial (direction)徑向
粒径grain size粒徑
孔径diameter of hole孔徑
径流runoff徑流
另辟蹊径to find an alternative另闢蹊徑
独辟蹊径to blaze a new trail (idiom); to display originality獨辟蹊徑
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 途径 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 径
Common phrases include '直径' (zhíjīng - diameter) and '小径' (xiǎojìng - small path).
It's less common in casual speech and more often found in formal writing or academic contexts.
