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筋 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
筋
jīn
muscle
HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #10088, Very Hard
筋
jīn
tendon
HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #10088, Very Hard
筋
jīn
muscles; tendons
HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #10088, Very Hard
jīn(jin1)jin T1
1muscle
2tendon
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March 24, 2026
筋jīn(jin1)
The character 筋 (jīn) refers to 'muscle' or 'tendon' in Chinese. It is commonly used to describe the connective tissues that facilitate movement in the body and can also imply strength or physical capability in various contexts. It is often used in both medical and fitness-related discussions.
Strokes12Radical⺮Frequency#10088DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the condition of one's 筋 (muscles and tendons) is believed to reflect overall health, and there are specific exercises and therapies aimed at strengthening them, such as Tai Chi.
Memory tip
Imagine a strong muscle stringing a bow, where 筋 (jīn) is the string that helps propel an arrow. The character has the radical for 'bamboo' (竹) on the left, symbolizing flexibility and strength, while the right side suggests movement and function.
Meanings of 筋
jīn(jin1)
1muscle
2tendon
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 筋 means.
About 筋
筋Simplified
12Strokes
⺮Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#10088Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 筋
Podcast: 筋
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AI study notes for 筋
Quick Contrast
肌 (jī) refers specifically to 'muscle' tissue, while 筋 (jīn) encompasses 'tendon' and connective tissues; use 筋 when discussing tendons or connective structures.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which you use 筋, as it can refer specifically to physical muscles or tendons in a medical context, or more generally to strength in a metaphorical sense. Avoid confusing it with other similar-sounding words, especially in tonal pronunciation.
HSK Study Tips
Though not officially part of the HSK vocabulary list, 筋 may appear in advanced discussions about health or fitness. Students should connect it with related vocabulary, such as 肌肉 (jīròu, muscle) and 脉 (mài, pulse), to build a more comprehensive understanding of bodily terms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 筋 with 斤 (jīn, weight unit) due to their similar pronunciation. Remember that 筋 refers to muscles and tendons, while 斤 relates to measurement.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 筋
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Learning Lab
Knowing 筋 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 筋 (jīn) refers to 'muscle' or 'tendon' in Chinese. It is commonly used to describe the connective tissues that facilitate movement in the body and can also imply strength or physical capability in various contexts. It is often used in both medical and fitness-related discussions.
When to use 筋
Be mindful of the context in which you use 筋, as it can refer specifically to physical muscles or tendons in a medical context, or more generally to strength in a metaphorical sense. Avoid confusing it with other similar-sounding words, especially in tonal pronunciation.
筋 or something close to it
肌 (jī) refers specifically to 'muscle' tissue, while 筋 (jīn) encompasses 'tendon' and connective tissues; use 筋 when discussing tendons or connective structures.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 筋 with 斤 (jīn, weight unit) due to their similar pronunciation. Remember that 筋 refers to muscles and tendons, while 斤 relates to measurement.
Write 筋
筋
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Practice writing 筋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 筋
筋 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 3 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.
他朝他的兄弟吼叫，脖子上青____暴突。
He shouted at his brother, his neck veins bulging.
Example sentences for 筋 (10)
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1
他朝他的兄弟吼叫，脖子上青筋暴突。
tā cháo tā de xiōngdì hǒu jiào， bózi shàng qīng jīn bào tū。
He shouted at his brother, his neck veins bulging.
