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March 24, 2026
紧张(緊張)jǐnzhāng(jin3zhang1)
紧张 (jǐnzhāng) describes a state of being nervous or tense, often in situations requiring focus or where anxiety is present. It can also refer to a feeling of strain or pressure, whether emotional or physical, and can be used in contexts such as exams, public speaking, or competitive events.
Strokes17Frequency#663DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of being 紧张 is often associated with group activities like exams or important meetings, where collective pressure can amplify individual anxiety. This reflects the high value placed on academic and professional success.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tightrope walker (紧) balancing precariously above a crowd, feeling the pressure (张) of everyone watching. The tension in the air makes them feel both nervous and focused, embodying the essence of 紧张.
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AI Study Notes for 紧张
Quick Contrast
焦虑 (jiāolǜ) refers specifically to anxiety or worry about future events, while 紧张 (jǐnzhāng) encompasses a broader range of tension including physical stress and nervousness in the moment.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 紧张 with other emotional states like 放松 (fàngsōng, relaxed) or 兴奋 (xīngfèn, excited). It is generally used in informal contexts but can also appear in formal discussions about stress or anxiety. Be mindful of the tone: use the third tone (jǐn) and first tone (zhāng) to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 4, 紧张 is a key term related to emotions and psychological states. Connect it with other HSK 4 words like 放松 (fàngsōng) and 竞争 (jìngzhēng) to build a vocabulary around feelings and competitive situations. Focus on using it in sentences to express emotional states.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is to mix up 紧张 with 害怕 (hàipà, afraid). For example, saying '我害怕考试的时候很紧张' (I'm afraid during the exam I'm very nervous) is incorrect; it should be '我考试的时候很紧张' to convey the right meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 紧张
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紧张 (jǐnzhāng) describes a state of being nervous or tense, often in situations requiring focus or where anxiety is present. It can also refer to a feeling of strain or pressure, whether emotional or physical, and can be used in contexts such as exams, public speaking, or competitive events.
When to use 紧张
Learners often confuse 紧张 with other emotional states like 放松 (fàngsōng, relaxed) or 兴奋 (xīngfèn, excited). It is generally used in informal contexts but can also appear in formal discussions about stress or anxiety. Be mindful of the tone: use the third tone (jǐn) and first tone (zhāng) to avoid misunderstandings.
紧张 or something close to it
焦虑 (jiāolǜ) refers specifically to anxiety or worry about future events, while 紧张 (jǐnzhāng) encompasses a broader range of tension including physical stress and nervousness in the moment.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is to mix up 紧张 with 害怕 (hàipà, afraid). For example, saying '我害怕考试的时候很紧张' (I'm afraid during the exam I'm very nervous) is incorrect; it should be '我考试的时候很紧张' to convey the right meaning.
Write 紧张
紧
张
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Grammar Patterns of 紧张
紧张 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. It carries 7 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.
