HSK 7, v, 12 strokes, radical 攵, rank #2572, Very Hard
敬
jìng
to venerate
HSK 7, v, 12 strokes, radical 攵, rank #2572, Very Hard
敬
jìng
to salute
HSK 7, v, 12 strokes, radical 攵, rank #2572, Very Hard
敬
jìng
to offer
HSK 7, v, 12 strokes, radical 攵, rank #2572, Very Hard
敬
jìng
to respect, to honor; respectfully
HSK 7, v, 12 strokes, radical 攵, rank #2572, Very Hard
jìng(jing4)jing T4
1to respect
2to venerate
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
敬jìng(jing4)
The character 敬 (jìng) means to respect or honor someone or something. It is often used in formal contexts, such as in greetings, ceremonies, or when referring to elders or authority figures. The nuance of this word conveys a sense of deep admiration and deference, making it important in both social and cultural interactions.
Strokes12Radical攵Frequency#2572DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, respect is deeply rooted in Confucian values, where honoring elders and authority is paramount. The use of 敬 in language reflects this cultural emphasis on hierarchy and reverence.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing upright, hands at their sides, showing respect. The left side of the character 敬 resembles a person (亻) in a respectful stance, while the right side (敬) can be visualized as a saluting gesture. Combine the image of a respectful person with the sound 'jìng' to remember its meaning.
Meanings of 敬
jìng(jing4)
1to respect
2to venerate
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 敬 means.
About 敬
敬Simplified
12Strokes
攵Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2572Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 敬
Podcast: 敬
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 敬
Quick Contrast
敬 (jìng, respect) vs 尊 (zūn, honor) — use 敬 when emphasizing respect in social interactions, while 尊 conveys a more formal or hierarchical sense of honor.
Usage Notes
敬 is often used in formal language and can be part of phrases like 敬礼 (jìnglǐ), meaning 'to salute'. A common mistake is using it in informal contexts, as it may sound overly stiff or insincere. Make sure to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
While 敬 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it is related to concepts of respect and politeness that are crucial at HSK 3 and above. Students should focus on using it in appropriate social contexts and recognize its usage in phrases and idioms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 敬 with other respect-related terms like 尊重 (zūnzhòng), which means 'to value' rather than 'to respect'. For example, saying '我尊重你' (wǒ zūnzhòng nǐ) is correct, but using 敬 in a casual setting sounds awkward.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 敬
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 敬 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 敬 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 敬?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 敬 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 敬 (jìng) means to respect or honor someone or something. It is often used in formal contexts, such as in greetings, ceremonies, or when referring to elders or authority figures. The nuance of this word conveys a sense of deep admiration and deference, making it important in both social and cultural interactions.
When to use 敬
敬 is often used in formal language and can be part of phrases like 敬礼 (jìnglǐ), meaning 'to salute'. A common mistake is using it in informal contexts, as it may sound overly stiff or insincere. Make sure to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
敬 or something close to it
敬 (jìng, respect) vs 尊 (zūn, honor) — use 敬 when emphasizing respect in social interactions, while 尊 conveys a more formal or hierarchical sense of honor.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 敬 with other respect-related terms like 尊重 (zūnzhòng), which means 'to value' rather than 'to respect'. For example, saying '我尊重你' (wǒ zūnzhòng nǐ) is correct, but using 敬 in a casual setting sounds awkward.
Write 敬
敬
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 敬 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 敬
敬 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 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.
Everyone should respect the elderly and care for the young, which is a traditional Chinese virtue.
12
他用心聆听别人的意见，以表示对他们的敬意。
Tā yòng xīn língtīng biéren de yìjiàn, yǐ biǎoshì duì tāmen de jìngyì.
He listens carefully to others' opinions to show his respect for them.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 敬?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 敬
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While respect is valued in both Chinese and Western cultures, the expression of respect, such as through language and formalities, tends to be more pronounced in Chinese interactions.
Word Family of 敬
Compounds10
警jing3to alert
擎qing2to raise (hand)
儆jing3to warn; warning
檠qing2lamp stand; bow frame
璥
憼
擏
曔
蟼
驚jing1to frighten, to startle; surprise, alarm
Words Containing This Character20
尊敬zūnjìngto respect
敬jìngto respect
致敬zhìjìngto greet
敬请jìngqǐngplease (do sth) (deferential form)敬請
敬意jìngyìrespect
敬业jìngyèto respect one's work敬業
敬礼jìnglǐto salute敬禮
敬佩jìngpèito esteem
敬畏to revere
敬爱jìng’àirespect and love敬愛
敬重jìngzhòngto revere
恭敬gōngjìngdeferential
敬仰to revere
孝敬xiàojìngto show filial respect
崇敬chóngjìngto revere
敬酒jìngjiǔto toast
可敬venerable
郭敬明Guo Jingming (1983-), Chinese young-adult fiction writer and teen pop idol
敬老院nursing home
回敬to return a compliment
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 敬
What does 警 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 敬
Common phrases that include 敬 (jìng) are '敬请' (jìngqǐng), meaning 'respectfully invite,' and '敬业' (jìngyè), which means 'dedicated to one's work.' These phrases highlight the importance of respect in various contexts.
In Chinese culture, 敬 (jìng) is a key concept that reflects the value placed on respect among individuals, especially towards elders and authority figures. It is often seen in rituals, ceremonies, and everyday interactions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmony and showing reverence.
敬 (jìng) means to respect or to venerate. It conveys a sense of honor and reverence towards others. This character is often used in formal contexts, such as when saluting someone or offering a gesture of respect.
You can use 敬 (jìng) in a sentence to express respect, such as '我敬重我的老师' (Wǒ jìngzhòng wǒ de lǎoshī), meaning 'I respect my teacher.' It can also be used in phrases like '敬礼' (jìnglǐ), which means 'salute.'
Yes, 敬 is primarily used in formal contexts and when showing respect to others.
It's generally reserved for formal situations or when addressing elders, as using it among friends may come off as overly formal.
You can say 敬请 (jìngqǐng), which means 'respectfully invite'.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 敬?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.
