劲

勁

jìn, jìng

力 + 𢀖

HSK 3.0Level 7

Definitions

jìn (noun) strength; energy

jìn (noun) enthusiasm; spirit

jìn (adjective) strong; powerful

jìng (adjective) sturdy; strong

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 力 represents the meaning and 𢀖 represents the sound. Simplified form of 勁.

Semantic: 力

About

劲 is a phonosemantic compound: the right-hand component 力 'strength' gives the meaning, and the left-hand component 𢀖 provides the sound. It is a simplified version of the traditional character 勁, where the complex phonetic 巠 was replaced with the simpler 𢀖 to reduce strokes while retaining the pronunciation. The primary reading jìn refers to physical strength, energy, or vigor. With the alternate pronunciation jìng, it describes a sturdy, unyielding, or robust attitude or demeanor, a shift from physical force to a persistent state of being.

Etymology Hide

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

请你使劲推。

Qǐng nǐ shǐjìn tuī.

Please push hard.

他浑身是劲。

Tā húnshēn shì jìn.

He is full of energy.

孩子们玩得正起劲。

Háizimen wán de zhèng qǐjìn.

The children are playing with great enthusiasm.

学习不能没劲头。

Xuéxí bùnéng méi jìntóu.

Studying cannot be without motivation.

他虽然累了，但还在使劲工作。

Tā suīrán lèi le, dàn hái zài shǐjìn gōngzuò.

Although he is tired, he is still working hard.

这首歌听起来很有劲。

Zhè shǒu gē tīng qǐlái hěn yǒu jìn.

This song sounds very energetic.

只要你有劲，就能完成这个任务。

Zhǐyào nǐ yǒu jìn, jiù néng wánchéng zhège rènwù.

As long as you have energy, you can complete this task.

北风劲吹，天气寒冷。

Běifēng jìng chuī, tiānqì hánlěng.

The north wind blows strongly, and the weather is cold.

Related Characters

Component: 力

Component: 𢀖

劲