Definitions

jīn (noun) ferry crossing; ford
jīn (noun) saliva; sweat

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "津" integrates the water radical on the left, signaling its inherent connection to liquid, with the component "聿" on the right, which historically guided its pronunciation. Originally denoting a shallow river crossing or ferry point, a concrete geographical feature essential for travel, its meaning broadened over time to encompass bodily fluids such as saliva, as seen in the term "津液", and further extended into abstract realms where it conveys a sense of moisture or engaged interest, exemplified in phrases like "津津有味". This semantic progression from a specific waterside location to more generalized concepts of fluid and essence illustrates how the character's applications shifted while its structural composition consistently reinforced its watery associations.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

有很多公园。

Tiānjīn yǒu hěnduō gōngyuán.

Tianjin has many parks.

他每月有贴。

Tā měi yuè yǒu jīntiē.

He has a monthly allowance.

液保持身体湿润。

Jīnyè bǎochí shēntǐ shīrùn.

Body fluids keep the body moist.

这个渡历史很久。

Zhège jīndù lìshǐ hěn jiǔ.

This ferry crossing has a long history.

公司发给了员工贴。

Gōngsī fā gěi le yuángōng jīntiē.

The company issued allowances to employees.

的夜景非常漂亮。

Tiānjīn de yèjǐng fēichāng piàoliang.

The night view of Tianjin is very beautiful.

贴的金额根据职位而定。

Jīntiē de jīn'é gēnjù zhíwèi ér dìng.

The amount of allowance depends on the position.

巴布韦是非洲的一个国家。

Jīnbābùwéi shì Fēizhōu de yī gè guójiā.

Zimbabwe is a country in Africa.