(jīn) - to boast & to show off

Tone 1

jīn | 9 strokes | radical: 矛

· jīn

to boast;

to show off;

to pride oneself on;

to sympathize with;

to pity;

dignified;

solemn

to boastto show offto pride oneself on

Usage highlights

to boastreserved and dignifiedto show compassiondignified and solemnarrogant and selfto take pride in

Synonyms

  • to boast
  • arrogant
  • to pity
  • to sympathize

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He often boasts about his achievements (矜夸).
  • She takes pride in her work (矜持).
  • We should show compassion for the disadvantaged (矜悯).
  • He maintained a dignified demeanor (矜庄).

Collocations

  • to boast(矜夸)
  • reserved and dignified(矜持)
  • to show compassion(矜悯)
  • dignified and solemn(矜庄)
  • arrogant and self-satisfied(矜骄)
  • to take pride in(自矜)

Idioms

  • To boast of one's ability and show off one's strength(矜能负才)
  • To be arrogant and complacent(矜功恃宠)
  • To pity the orphaned and sympathize with the poor(矜贫恤独)
  • To be self-satisfied and pleased with oneself(矜己自饰)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally meant 'handle of a spear' in ancient texts, later extended to meanings of pride and compassion.
  • In Confucian tradition, '矜' represents a dignified demeanor that should be maintained while avoiding excessive pride.
  • The character embodies the tension between legitimate pride in one's accomplishments and the negative quality of arrogance.

FAQ