About
The character 精, in its traditional form comprising the semantic component 米 (rice) and the phonetic component 青, originally denoted refined, high-quality rice, free from husks or impurities. This core idea of a purified, essential substance provided the conceptual foundation for its semantic expansion, allowing it to later signify the essence or quintessence of things more abstractly, such as the vital energy or spirit within living beings. Over time, this notion of refined essence further extended to describe something executed with great skill and attention to detail, giving rise to meanings like "exquisite", "proficient", or "meticulous", while also coming to denote supernatural beings thought to be composed of a concentrated, ethereal form of this essence.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他今天很精神。
这本书的内容很精炼。
她做事非常精心。
我们需要精确的数据。
这是文章的精华部分。
他精通多种语言。
公司正在精简人员。
这种材料经过精心加工。