unknown, 18 strokes, radical 衤, rank #33982, Very Hard
襟
jīn
fig. bosom (the seat of emotions)
unknown, 18 strokes, radical 衤, rank #33982, Very Hard
襟
jīn
to cherish (ambition, desires, honorable intentions etc) in one's bosom
unknown, 18 strokes, radical 衤, rank #33982, Very Hard
jīn(jin1) T1
1lapel, collar
2overlap of Chinese gown
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March 24, 2026
襟jīn(jin1)
The character 襟 (jīn) primarily refers to the lapel or collar of a garment, particularly in traditional Chinese clothing. It can also metaphorically signify the bosom, representing one's emotions or cherished ambitions. This word is often used in literary contexts to convey deeper feelings or aspirations.
Strokes18Radical衤Frequency#33982DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the design of a garment's collar (襟) often signifies status and style, reflecting the wearer's personality and values. For example, the way a scholar's robe is tailored can symbolize his scholarly ambitions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a beautiful gown with a prominent collar (襟) that wraps around your heart, symbolizing the emotions you hold dear. The character looks like a person wearing a collar, with the top lines representing the lapel and the bottom line representing the heart it protects.
Meanings of 襟
jīn(jin1)
1lapel, collar
2overlap of Chinese gown
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 襟
襟Simplified
18Strokes
衤Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 襟
Podcast: 襟
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AI Study Notes for 襟
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a beautiful gown with a prominent collar (襟) that wraps around your heart, symbolizing the emotions you hold dear. The character looks like a person wearing a collar, with the top lines representing the lapel and the bottom line representing the heart it protects.
Usage Notes
While 襟 is most commonly used to refer to clothing, learners should be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding terms. It is more formal in usage, often found in literature or discussions about traditional attire. Collocations include '襟怀' (jīn huái), meaning to cherish noble intentions.
HSK Study Tips
Although 襟 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your appreciation of traditional Chinese clothing and literature. Focus on its visual representation and metaphorical meanings to connect it with other HSK words related to emotions and attire.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the design of a garment's collar (襟) often signifies status and style, reflecting the wearer's personality and values. For example, the way a scholar's robe is tailored can symbolize his scholarly ambitions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 襟 with similar characters like 衣 (yī, meaning clothing) and can mistakenly use 襟 in contexts unrelated to clothing. For example, saying '我喜欢襟' (wǒ xǐ huān jīn) to mean 'I like clothes' is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢衣服' (wǒ xǐ huān yīfú).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 襟
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Grammar Patterns of 襟
襟 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 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
老人撩起开____毛衣挠了挠身体的一侧。
The old man lifted his cardigan to scratch his side.
Example Sentences for 襟 (4)
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1
老人撩起开襟毛衣挠了挠身体的一侧。
lǎo rén liāo qǐ kāi jīn máo yī náo le náo shēn tǐ de yī cè。
The old man lifted his cardigan to scratch his side.
dé dào de lǐ wù yuè duō， ， tā de wèi kǒu jiù yuè， dà ， zhí dào tā zhuō jīn jiàn zhǒu。
The more gifts she received, the more she craved, until he was living beyond his means.
Cultural Notes for 襟
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the design of a garment's collar (襟) often signifies status and style, reflecting the wearer's personality and values. For example, the way a scholar's robe is tailored can symbolize his scholarly ambitions.
Word Family of 襟
Words Containing This Character11
胸襟heart
襟jīnlapel
捉襟见肘strapped for cash捉襟見肘
衣襟lapel
襟翼(aircraft) wing flap
正襟危坐to sit upright and still (idiom)
襟怀one's mind襟懷
开襟buttoned Chinese tunic開襟
对襟buttoned Chinese jacket對襟
连襟husbands of sisters連襟
襟怀坦白ingenuous襟懷坦白
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 胸襟 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 襟
In modern Chinese, 襟 primarily means lapel or collar, referring to the part of a garment that frames the neck.
Yes, 襟 can metaphorically refer to one's bosom or the emotions and ambitions one holds dear.
Yes, common phrases include '襟怀' (jīn huái), which means to cherish noble intentions.
