筋 (jīn) - tendon, sinew & muscle

筋Tone 1

jīn ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

傑君

筋 · jīn

tendon, sinew;

muscle;

veins (as in leaf veins);

strength, energy;

something resembling a tendon in shape or function.

tendon, sinewmuscleveins (as in leaf veins)

Usage highlights

muscle and bonebrainpower, mental effortpulled tendonbeef tendonto rack one's brainsrubber band

Synonyms

  • 腱— tendon (anatomical term)
  • 肌— muscle (often combined as 肌肉)

Antonyms

  • 骨— bone (complementary, not direct opposite)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He pulled a tendon in his leg (拉伤了腿筋).
  • This meat has a lot of tendons (这块肉筋很多).
  • The leaf has prominent veins (叶子的筋很清晰).
  • He's a man of great physical strength (他是个筋骨强健的人).

Collocations

  • muscle and bone(筋骨)
  • brainpower, mental effort(脑筋)
  • pulled tendon(抽筋)
  • beef tendon(牛筋)
  • to rack one's brains(伤脑筋)
  • rubber band(橡皮筋)

Idioms

  • Exhaust one's mental resources(伤筋动骨)
  • Fully stretched, taut(筋疲力尽)
  • To have one's leg cramp(腿抽筋)
  • To the last ounce of one's strength(筋疲力竭)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, tendons (筋) are considered connected to the liver, and their health reflects the state of the liver.
  • The concept of 'jin' (筋) encompasses not just physical tendons but also metaphorical strength, resilience, and mental effort (e.g., 脑筋).
  • In martial arts and health practices, 'tendon-changing' exercises (易筋经) were practiced to strengthen the body and promote longevity.

FAQ