Meanings of 精
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About 精
Podcast: 精
Podcast: 精
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AI study notes for 精
精 (jīng) vs 鮮 (xiān) - choose 精 when referring to essence or proficiency, while 鮮 emphasizes freshness or vividness.
When using 精, remember it often appears in more formal contexts to denote quality or excellence. Common collocations include 精华 (jīnghuá - essence) and 精致 (jīngzhì - exquisite). Be cautious with pronunciation; the tone must be accurate to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
Although not specifically listed in HSK levels, 精 connects well with other HSK vocabulary that expresses quality and proficiency, such as 优秀 (yōuxiù - excellent). Focus on recognizing it in compound words and practice its tone with other similar characters.
Learners often confuse 精 with similar characters like 精神 (jīngshén - spirit) or 精益求精 (jīngyìqiújīng - to improve on perfection). A common error is to use 精 in casual contexts where simpler words would suffice, like saying 精 for ‘fine’ instead of 好 (hǎo).
Pronunciation of 精
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Etymology of 精
Phonosemantic compound. 米 represents the meaning and 青 represents the sound.
grain
Origin
精 = 米 + 青. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 精
Parts
Which of these is part of 精?
How to say essence in Chinese
“essence” in Chinese is精
精 (jīng) refers to the essence or core quality of something, often conveying a sense of vitality or energy. It can also denote proficiency, as in a person who is highly skilled or refined in a particular area. In certain contexts, it can imply elite status or even relate to bodily substances such as semen.
When to use 精
When using 精, remember it often appears in more formal contexts to denote quality or excellence. Common collocations include 精华 (jīnghuá - essence) and 精致 (jīngzhì - exquisite). Be cautious with pronunciation; the tone must be accurate to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
精 or something close to it
精 (jīng) vs 鮮 (xiān) - choose 精 when referring to essence or proficiency, while 鮮 emphasizes freshness or vividness.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 精 with similar characters like 精神 (jīngshén - spirit) or 精益求精 (jīngyìqiújīng - to improve on perfection). A common error is to use 精 in casual contexts where simpler words would suffice, like saying 精 for ‘fine’ instead of 好 (hǎo).
Write 精
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Practice writing 精 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 精
精 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 14 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他的演出一次比一次____彩。
His performances are more spectacular each time.
Common confusions with 精
Similar pronunciation and shape but different meanings.
Which one
Which one means “essence”?
Usage Notes for 精
精 is often used in compound words to indicate essence or refinement.
精神
spirit; consciousness
精华
essence; extract
Learners may confuse 精 with similar characters such as 净, leading to errors in meaning.
精和净是不同的。
Jīng and jìng are different.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
____神
spirit; consciousness
Example sentences for 精 (16)
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Cultural Notes for 精
The character 精 (jīng) originally relates to grain, referring to the essence extracted from it. This gives a rich metaphorical sense to the word, connecting it to purity and refinement.
A common Chinese saying is '精益求精' (jīng yì qiú jīng), meaning to strive for perfection. It emphasizes the continuous pursuit of excellence, a value deeply respected in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 精
Words with 精
What does 精神 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 精
Yes, 精 (jīng) can be used in daily conversation, especially when discussing topics like health, quality, or energy. Phrases like 精力充沛 (jīnglì chōngpèi), meaning 'full of energy', are quite common. Incorporating this character can make your speech more expressive and nuanced.
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