Meanings of 緊
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 緊
Podcast: 緊
Podcast: 緊
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 緊
紧 (jǐn) vs 紧张 (jǐnzhāng) — use 紧 when describing physical tightness, while 紧张 refers to emotional tension or nervousness.
Be careful not to confuse 緊 (jǐn) with 紧急 (jǐnjí), which specifically means 'urgent.' This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, but using it in relaxed conversations might sound overly dramatic. Common collocations include 緊張 (jǐnzhāng, 'nervous') and 緊迫 (jǐnpò, 'urgent').
Although 緊 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with other level 3 words like 緊張 (jǐnzhāng) and 迫 (pò). Focus on how to use it in phrases that describe emotions or physical states, which can enhance your expressive capabilities.
Learners often confuse 緊 (jǐn) with its antonym 松 (sōng). For example, saying '这条绳子很松' (Zhè tiáo shéngzi hěn sōng) when they mean to express tightness. The correct phrase would be '这条绳子很紧.'
Pronunciation of 緊
Drill the tone of 緊 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 緊
Simplified form of 緊. Phonosemantic compound. 臣 represents the sound, while 又 and 糸 represent the meaning.
thread
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 緊
Simplified form of 緊. Phonosemantic compound. 臣 represents the sound, while 又 and 糸 represent the meaning.
- 1The meaning half糸 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half臤 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaythread
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 緊? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 緊?
Decomposition of 緊
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 緊?
How to say tense, tight, taut; firm, secure in Chinese
“tense, tight, taut; firm, secure” in Chinese is緊
The character 緊 (jǐn) means 'tense,' 'tight,' or 'taut.' It is often used to describe something that is firmly secured or tightly bound, such as a rope or a person's muscles during stress. In addition, it can also convey a sense of urgency or intensity in various contexts.
When to use 緊
Be careful not to confuse 緊 (jǐn) with 紧急 (jǐnjí), which specifically means 'urgent.' This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, but using it in relaxed conversations might sound overly dramatic. Common collocations include 緊張 (jǐnzhāng, 'nervous') and 緊迫 (jǐnpò, 'urgent').
緊 or something close to it
紧 (jǐn) vs 紧张 (jǐnzhāng) — use 紧 when describing physical tightness, while 紧张 refers to emotional tension or nervousness.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 緊 (jǐn) with its antonym 松 (sōng). For example, saying '这条绳子很松' (Zhè tiáo shéngzi hěn sōng) when they mean to express tightness. The correct phrase would be '这条绳子很紧.'
Write 緊
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 緊 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 緊
Compound Meaning
What does 紧张 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 緊
You can say '这条绳子很紧' (Zhè tiáo shéngzi hěn jǐn) meaning 'This rope is very tight.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 緊?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.