敏 (mǐn) - Quick & agile

敏Tone 3

mǐn ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

妙慕

敏 · mǐn

Quick;

agile;

nimble;

smart;

clever;

diligent;

also used in names to denote intelligence and diligence.

Quickagilenimble

Usage highlights

SensitiveAgileSharp; acuteDiligent; quick to actQuickIntelligent and studious

Synonyms

  • 捷— quick; nimble
  • 聪— clever; intelligent
  • 慧— wise; intelligent

Antonyms

  • 钝— dull; blunt
  • 拙— clumsy; awkward

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She is very sensitive to changes (敏感).
  • He responded quickly (反应敏捷).
  • The journalist is very sharp (敏锐的 journalist).
  • This requires careful and diligent work (需要敏行).

Collocations

  • Sensitive(敏感)
  • Agile(敏捷)
  • Sharp; acute(敏锐)
  • Diligent; quick to act(敏行)
  • Quick-witted(机敏)
  • Intelligent and studious(敏学)

Idioms

  • Be diligent in deeds and cautious in words(敏于事，慎于言)
  • Keen hearing and clear sight(聪敏睿智)
  • Quick in thought and nimble in action(心敏手捷)
  • Logically acute and eloquent(才思敏辩)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Traditionally valued in Confucian culture as a virtue of the diligent and quick learner.
  • Often used in given names, especially for girls, to wish for intelligence and diligence.
  • Associated with the ideal of being responsive and effective in action and thought.

FAQ