Definitions

jīng (noun) essence; extract
jīng (noun) energy; vitality
jīng (adjective) refined; excellent; elite
jīng (adjective) proficient; skilled

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 精 is a phono-semantic compound, with the rice radical 米 on the left indicating its semantic category of grain or food. The right side, 青, serves as the phonetic component while also suggesting notions of purity or clear color. Originally, 精 referred specifically to refined, polished rice separated from husk and impurities. From this concrete origin of physical refinement, its meaning expanded significantly to encompass abstract ideas of perfection, essence, and extreme purity. The character came to denote spiritual energy, vitality, elite status, and precision, extending far beyond the literal polishing of grain to represent the concentrated essence of both material things and mental states.

Etymology Hide

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)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他今天很神。

Tā jīntiān hěn jīngshén.

He is very spirited today.

这本书的内容很炼。

Zhè běn shū de nèiróng hěn jīngliàn.

The content of this book is very concise.

她做事非常心。

Tā zuòshì fēicháng jīngxīn.

She does things very carefully.

我们需要确的数据。

Wǒmen xūyào jīngquè de shùjù.

We need accurate data.

这是文章的华部分。

Zhè shì wénzhāng de jīnghuá bùfen.

This is the essence part of the article.

通多种语言。

Tā jīngtōng duō zhǒng yǔyán.

He is proficient in multiple languages.

公司正在简人员。

Gōngsī zhèngzài jīngjiǎn rényuán.

The company is downsizing staff.

这种材料经过心加工。

Zhè zhǒng cáiliào jīngguò jīngxīn jiāgōng.

This material has been carefully processed.