Definitions

jīn (noun) muscle; tendon
jīn (noun) fiber (in vegetables or plants)

Etymology

Bamboo-like ⺮ tendons in the chest 

About

The character 筋 is a compound combining bamboo (竹) at the top with flesh (月) and strength (力) below, drawing a visual analogy between bamboo's resilient fibers and bodily tissues. It primarily refers to the tendons and sinews connecting muscles to bones, providing the body with mechanical strength and flexibility. The meaning also extends to visible veins beneath the skin, as well as the fibrous ribs or strings found in plant leaves and various materials.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

多动脑有好处。

Duō dòng nǎojīn yǒu hǎochù.

Using your brain more has benefits.

他游泳时腿抽了。

Tā yóuyǒng shí tuǐ chōujīn le.

His leg cramped while swimming.

锻炼可以强健骨。

Duànliàn kěyǐ qiángjiàn jīngǔ.

Exercise can strengthen muscles and bones.

她用皮扎头发。

Tā yòng píjīn zhā tóufa.

She uses a rubber band to tie her hair.

这面条吃起来很道。

Zhè miàntiáo chī qǐlái hěn jīndao.

These noodles taste very chewy.

是一种常见的食材。

Miànjīn shì yī zhǒng chángjiàn de shícái.

Gluten is a common ingredient.

这座桥用了很多钢

Zhè zuò qiáo yòngle hěnduō gāngjīn.

This bridge uses a lot of steel bars.

炖牛需要很长时间。

Dùn niújīn xūyào hěn cháng shíjiān.

Stewing beef tendon requires a long time.