Chinese Character: 静
1. Character Basics
Radical: 青 (qīng)
Stroke Count: 14
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jìng (4th tone)
3. Meaning
quiet, calm, peaceful, still, silent
4. Common Words
- 安静 (ān jìng) - quiet, peaceful
- 平静 (píng jìng) - calm, tranquil
- 静止 (jìng zhǐ) - still, motionless
- 宁静 (níng jìng) - serene, peaceful
- 静电 (jìng diàn) - static electricity
- 文静 (wén jìng) - gentle and quiet (of a person)
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of Speech: Adjective, sometimes used as a verb
Usage Patterns:
- As an adjective: 静的环境 (jìng de huán jìng) - quiet environment
- In verb phrases: 保持安静 (bǎo chí ān jìng) - keep quiet
- In idiomatic expressions: 风平浪静 (fēng píng làng jìng) - calm and tranquil
- As a verb: 静止不动 (jìng zhǐ bù dòng) - remain motionless
Collocations:
- 与"安"、"平"、"宁"等字组合表示不同程度的安静
- 与自然现象搭配：静夜 (jìng yè) - quiet night
- 与抽象概念搭配：心静 (xīn jìng) - calm mind
6. Cultural Background
The character "静" holds significant cultural importance in Chinese philosophy, particularly in Daoism (Taoism). It represents a state of inner peace and harmony with nature, which is central to Daoist teachings.
In traditional Chinese culture, "静" is valued as a virtue. It is believed that only in a state of calmness can one achieve clarity of thought and spiritual enlightenment.
In Chinese literature and art, "静" is a common theme. Many classical poems and paintings depict serene landscapes and quiet moments to evoke a sense of tranquility.
Modern usage of "静" extends to various contexts, from describing physical environments to emotional states. Phrases like "心静自然凉" (xīn jìng zì rán liáng) - "A calm mind naturally feels cool" - reflect the enduring relevance of this concept in daily life.
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 教室里很安静。
Pinyin: Jiào shì lǐ hěn ān jìng.
Translation: The classroom is very quiet.
8. Memory Tips
The character "静" is composed of two parts: "青" (qīng) meaning "green" or "blue", and "争" (zhēng) meaning "to struggle" or "to compete".
A helpful mnemonic: Imagine a green (青) meadow where nothing is struggling (争) - it's peaceful and quiet. This visual association can help you remember that "静" means "quiet" or "calm".
Another way to remember: In traditional Chinese culture, green represents nature and harmony, which are closely related to the concept of tranquility embodied by "静".