Definitions

jǐn (noun) brocade; embroidered fabric
jǐn (adjective) bright; colorful

Etymology

Silk  inlaid with gold  also provides the pronunciation

About

The character "锦", historically rendered in its traditional form as "錦", is structurally composed of the semantic components "金" representing metal and "帛" representing silk, a combination that directly references the luxurious brocade fabric woven with metallic threads which it originally named. This etymological foundation firmly anchored its early meaning in the realm of textile artistry, yet over time the term's usage extended beyond the material object to describe anything possessing a similar quality of splendor or intricate patterning, as seen in literary compounds like "锦绣河山" for magnificent landscapes or "锦章" for beautifully written text. The conceptual link between its form and meaning persisted through this semantic expansion, with the metal element evoking brilliance and value and the silk element maintaining the association with woven craftsmanship, allowing the character to function both as a concrete noun and as a versatile metaphor for excellence and aesthetic refinement.

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 Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这条围巾是缎做的。

Zhè tiáo wéijīn shì jǐnduàn zuò de.

This scarf is made of brocade.

公园的池塘里有许多鲤。

Gōngyuán de chítáng lǐ yǒu xǔduō jǐnlǐ.

There are many koi fish in the park's pond.

她穿着华丽的衣。

Tā chuānzhuó huálì de jǐnyī.

She is wearing magnificent brocade clothing.

这座花园繁花似

Zhè zuò huāyuán fánhuāsìjǐn.

This garden is full of flowers like a piece of brocade.

他为公司赢得了荣誉旗。

Tā wèi gōngsī yíngdéle róngyù jǐnqí.

He won the honor banner for the company.

这位设计师擅长缎面料的应用。

Zhè wèi shèjìshī shàncháng jǐnduàn miànliào de yìngyòng.

This designer is skilled in the application of brocade fabrics.

他的前程被描述为绣一般。

Tā de qiánchéng bèi miáoshù wèi jǐnxiù yībān.

His future is described as being splendid like brocade embroidery.

在这瑟年华,我们要努力奋斗。

Zài zhè jǐnsè niánhuá, wǒmen yào nǔlì fèndòu.

In these splendid years of youth, we must strive hard.