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March 24, 2026
年轻(年輕)niánqīng(nian2qing1)
年轻 (niánqīng) means 'young' and is used to describe someone who is youthful in age or spirit. It can also convey a sense of being fresh, energetic, or inexperienced, often applied to both people and ideas.
Strokes15Frequency#831DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being '年轻' is often associated with vitality, innovation, and the potential for success, making it a desirable quality in various social and business contexts.
Memory Tip
Think of '年' (nián) as 'year' and '轻' (qīng) as 'light.' Imagine a light, carefree year filled with youth and energy. Visualize a young person dancing lightly through the years, embodying the essence of youth.
Meanings of 年轻
niánqīng(nian2qing1)
1young
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About 年轻
年轻Simplified
年輕Traditional
15Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#831Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 年轻
Podcast: 年轻
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AI Study Notes for 年轻
Quick Contrast
年轻 (niánqīng) vs 年轻人 (niánqīng rén) — use 年轻 for the quality of being young, while 年轻人 specifically refers to young people.
Usage Notes
While '年轻' is generally neutral, context can dictate its connotation; it can be informal when discussing age but also formal when referring to qualities like vigor. Common collocations include '年轻人' (young people) and '年轻的心态' (young mindset). Be careful with tone; '轻' needs to be pronounced with a high level tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, '年轻' connects to other vocabulary about age and life stages. Students should practice using it in sentences about their own age or the age of others to reinforce its meaning and context.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '年轻' with '年纪小' (niánjì xiǎo, young in age). While both imply youth, '年轻' is more broadly applicable and has a positive connotation. Use '年轻' for a more general description of youthfulness.
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Pronunciation of 年轻
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年轻 (niánqīng) means 'young' and is used to describe someone who is youthful in age or spirit. It can also convey a sense of being fresh, energetic, or inexperienced, often applied to both people and ideas.
When to use 年轻
While '年轻' is generally neutral, context can dictate its connotation; it can be informal when discussing age but also formal when referring to qualities like vigor. Common collocations include '年轻人' (young people) and '年轻的心态' (young mindset). Be careful with tone; '轻' needs to be pronounced with a high level tone.
年轻 or something close to it
年轻 (niánqīng) vs 年轻人 (niánqīng rén) — use 年轻 for the quality of being young, while 年轻人 specifically refers to young people.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '年轻' with '年纪小' (niánjì xiǎo, young in age). While both imply youth, '年轻' is more broadly applicable and has a positive connotation. Use '年轻' for a more general description of youthfulness.
Write 年轻
年
轻
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Grammar Patterns of 年轻
年轻 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
