Chinese Character: 紧
1. Character Basics
Radical: 糸/mì (silk/thread)
Stroke Count: 10
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jǐn (third tone)
3. Meaning
Tight, close, strict, urgent, nervous
4. Common Words
- 紧张 (jǐn zhāng): Nervous, tense
- 紧密 (jǐn mì): Close, tight
- 抓紧 (zhuā jǐn): Grasp firmly,抓紧时间 (seize the time)
- 紧急 (jǐn jí): Urgent, emergency
- 紧跟 (jǐn gēn): Follow closely
- 紧缩 (jǐn suō): Tighten, reduce
5. Grammar & Usage
As an adjective:
- Describes something that is tightly fixed or compressed: 紧的绳子 (tight rope)
- Describes a state of urgency: 时间紧 (time is tight)
As an adverb:
- Indicates close following or proximity: 紧跟其后 (follow closely behind)
- Indicates doing something promptly: 紧着干 (work hurriedly)
Common structures:
- 越...越紧 (yuè...yuè jǐn): The more...the tighter
- 紧接 (jǐn jiē): Immediately following
- 松紧 (sōng jǐn): Tightness, degree of tightness
Idioms:
- 紧锣密鼓 (jǐn luó mì gǔ): Intense preparation, with drums and gongs beating rapidly
- 紧追不舍 (jǐn zhuī bù shě): Pursue closely without giving up
6. Cultural Background
The character 紧 has rich cultural significance in Chinese society:
Historical context:
- The character's original meaning was related to silk production, as indicated by the 糸 radical
- In ancient texts, it often described the process of making textiles or ropes
Cultural connotations:
- In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of "紧" is often associated with diligence and thoroughness
- It can also represent the importance of maintaining proper relationships and boundaries
Modern significance:
- Reflects the fast-paced nature of contemporary life in expressions like 节奏紧 (fast pace)
- Used in various fields from finance (紧缩政策 tight policy) to sports (紧逼防守 tight defense)
Philosophical aspect:
- Relates to the Chinese concept of balance - knowing when to be tight (紧) and when to be relaxed (松)
7. Example Sentence
中文: 考试前我总是很紧张。
Pinyin: Kǎo shì qián wǒ zǒng shì hěn jǐn zhāng.
Translation: I'm always very nervous before exams.
8. Memory Tips
Character breakdown:
- 糸 (silk radical) on the bottom, indicating connection to thread or rope
- 覀 (a variant of 西) on top, with additional strokes
Mnemonic:
Imagine pulling a thread (糸) tightly under a frame (覀), creating something that is tight (紧).
Visual association:
The character itself has a compact structure, with strokes that seem to be held tightly together, visually representing its meaning of "tight" or "close".