Meanings of 鏡
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 鏡
Podcast: 鏡
Podcast: 鏡
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 鏡
镜子 (jìngzi) vs 鏡 (jìng) — use 鏡 for general references to mirrors or reflective surfaces, while 鏡子 specifies a mirror as an object.
Common mistakes include confusing 鏡 with other characters that sound similar but have different meanings, such as 景 (jǐng, scenery). It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often found in phrases like '镜子' (jìngzi, mirror) or '眼镜' (yǎnjìng, glasses). Pay attention to the tone; 'jìng' with a falling tone means mirror, while 'jǐng' with a rising tone means scenery.
While 鏡 is not included in the HSK levels, it is useful for learners who are familiar with basic vocabulary and want to expand into everyday objects. Students should focus on recognizing how this character appears in compound words like '镜子' and '眼镜' to enhance their vocabulary.
Learners often mistakenly write 鏡 with the wrong radicals or confuse it with similar-sounding characters. For example, writing 景 instead of 鏡 can lead to misunderstandings, as 景 means scenery rather than mirror.
Pronunciation of 鏡
Drill the tone of 鏡 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 鏡
Simplified form of 鏡. Phonosemantic compound. 釒 represents the meaning and 竟 represents the sound.
metal
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 鏡
Simplified form of 鏡. Phonosemantic compound. 釒 represents the meaning and 竟 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half釒 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half竟 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaymetal
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 鏡? 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 鏡?
Decomposition of 鏡
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 鏡?
How to say mirror, glass; lens, glasses in Chinese
“mirror, glass; lens, glasses” in Chinese is鏡
The character 鏡 (jìng) refers to a mirror or glass, commonly used to describe objects that reflect images. It can also mean lenses or glasses, particularly in contexts related to vision or optics. This character is often associated with reflection, both literally and metaphorically, in various contexts.
When to use 鏡
Common mistakes include confusing 鏡 with other characters that sound similar but have different meanings, such as 景 (jǐng, scenery). It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often found in phrases like '镜子' (jìngzi, mirror) or '眼镜' (yǎnjìng, glasses). Pay attention to the tone; 'jìng' with a falling tone means mirror, while 'jǐng' with a rising tone means scenery.
鏡 or something close to it
镜子 (jìngzi) vs 鏡 (jìng) — use 鏡 for general references to mirrors or reflective surfaces, while 鏡子 specifies a mirror as an object.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly write 鏡 with the wrong radicals or confuse it with similar-sounding characters. For example, writing 景 instead of 鏡 can lead to misunderstandings, as 景 means scenery rather than mirror.
Write 鏡
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 鏡 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 鏡
Compound Meaning
What does 镜头 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鏡
The word for 'mirror' in Mandarin is 鏡子 (jìngzi).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 鏡?
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.