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March 24, 2026
井jǐng(jing3)
The character 井 (jǐng) primarily means 'well', referring to a structure used to access groundwater. It can also denote the concept of order and neatness, often used in expressions to indicate organization. In astronomy, it represents one of the 28 constellations, reflecting its cultural significance in Chinese cosmology.
Strokes4Radical二Frequency#4177DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, wells are often seen as a source of life and community, symbolizing sustenance and order in village life. The concept of order associated with 井 also reflects the importance of harmony in Chinese philosophy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a well (井) where water is drawn in an orderly fashion. The character looks like a square with a cross in it, representing the stability of a well. To remember the pinyin 'jǐng', think of the sound like 'jingling' water as it splashes from a well.
Meanings of 井
jǐng(jing3)
1a well
2Jing, one of the 28 constellations of Chinese astronomy
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 井
井Simplified
4Strokes
二Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#4177Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRC1
Podcast: 井
Podcast: 井
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AI Study Notes for 井
Usage Notes
井 (jǐng) is used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words. Common collocations include 井水 (well water) and 井口 (well opening). Pay attention to the third tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 井 connects to other terms related to water and structures, such as 水 (water) and 房 (house). Focus on using it in compound words and expressions to describe orderliness and structure.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 井 with other similar characters, such as 井 (jǐng) and 静 (jìng, meaning quiet). For example, saying '我在井上水' (I am on the well water) is incorrect; it should be '我在井里取水' (I am drawing water from the well).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 井
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2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 井? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 井?
Decomposition of 井
IDS Structure⿻二？
井Full Character
=
二er4
outer
Exercise 1 of 1
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 井?
How to say a well in Chinese
“a well” in Chinese is井jǐng
The character 井 (jǐng) primarily means 'well', referring to a structure used to access groundwater. It can also denote the concept of order and neatness, often used in expressions to indicate organization. In astronomy, it represents one of the 28 constellations, reflecting its cultural significance in Chinese cosmology.
When to use 井
井 (jǐng) is used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words. Common collocations include 井水 (well water) and 井口 (well opening). Pay attention to the third tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 井 with other similar characters, such as 井 (jǐng) and 静 (jìng, meaning quiet). For example, saying '我在井上水' (I am on the well water) is incorrect; it should be '我在井里取水' (I am drawing water from the well).
Write 井
井
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Practice writing 井 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 井
井 carries 6 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
铁轨跨过这条河直达矿____口。
Across the river the railway track ran up to the pithead.
