HSK 7, n, 8 strokes, radical 艹, rank #24543, Very Hard
茎
jīng
stem
HSK 7, n, 8 strokes, radical 艹, rank #24543, Very Hard
jīng(jing1)jing T1
1stalk
2stem
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
茎(莖)jīng(jing1)
The character '茎' (jīng) refers to the stalk or stem of a plant, which is the supportive structure that connects the roots to the leaves and flowers. It is commonly used in botanical contexts, as well as in discussions about plants and gardening. In broader use, it can also imply the idea of support or a key connecting part in various systems.
Strokes8Radical艹Frequency#24543DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the importance of agriculture and plant cultivation is significant, making terms like '茎' relevant in discussions around food and sustainability. The character reflects the deep connection between nature and daily life in China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall plant with a strong '茎' (jīng) that stands proudly. The character looks like a plant standing upright, with the horizontal line at the top resembling branches extending out. Think of 'jīng' as a 'giant' stem that holds everything up.
Meanings of 茎
jīng(jing1)
1stalk
2stem
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 茎 means.
About 茎
茎Simplified
莖Traditional
8Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#24543Frequency Rank
条Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 茎
Podcast: 茎
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AI Study Notes for 茎
Quick Contrast
茎 (jīng) vs 干 (gān): Use 茎 when specifically referring to the stem of a plant, while 干 generally refers to a trunk or pole, often of a tree.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the pronunciation; the tone is crucial. '茎' should be pronounced with a high-level tone (jīng), not mistaken for '京' (jīng, meaning 'capital'). It is often used with the measure word 条 (tiáo) when counting plant stems or stalks.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, '茎' connects well with other botanical terms and concepts. Students should focus on its usage in scientific contexts and familiarize themselves with related vocabulary such as '叶' (leaf) and '根' (root) to build a comprehensive understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '茎' (jīng) with '京' (jīng). For example, saying '我喜欢京的植物' (I like the capital's plants) is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢茎的植物' (I like the plants' stalks).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 茎
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How Well Do You Know 茎?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 茎 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character '茎' (jīng) refers to the stalk or stem of a plant, which is the supportive structure that connects the roots to the leaves and flowers. It is commonly used in botanical contexts, as well as in discussions about plants and gardening. In broader use, it can also imply the idea of support or a key connecting part in various systems.
When to use 茎
Be careful with the pronunciation; the tone is crucial. '茎' should be pronounced with a high-level tone (jīng), not mistaken for '京' (jīng, meaning 'capital'). It is often used with the measure word 条 (tiáo) when counting plant stems or stalks.
茎 or something close to it
茎 (jīng) vs 干 (gān): Use 茎 when specifically referring to the stem of a plant, while 干 generally refers to a trunk or pole, often of a tree.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '茎' (jīng) with '京' (jīng). For example, saying '我喜欢京的植物' (I like the capital's plants) is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢茎的植物' (I like the plants' stalks).
Write 茎
茎
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Practice writing 茎 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 茎
茎 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 2 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
荨麻长有四方____和细小茸毛。
The stinging nettle has a square stem and little hairs.
Example Sentences for 茎 (10)
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1
荨麻长有四方茎和细小茸毛。
qián má cháng yǒu sì fāng jīng hé xì xiǎo róng máo。
The stinging nettle has a square stem and little hairs.
2
木虱会侵害活体植物并啃咬它们的茎。
mù shī huì qīn hài huó tǐ zhí wù bìng kěn yǎo tā mén de jīng。
Woodlice attack living plants and gnaw at the stems.
