紧 (jǐn) - Tight, taut, tense & urgent, pressing

紧Tone 3

jǐn ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

傑君

紧 · jǐn

Tight, taut, tense;

urgent, pressing;

strict, rigorous;

to tighten;

in short supply.

Tight, taut, tenseurgent, pressingstrict, rigorous

Usage highlights

TightUrgentNervousCompressCloseFirmly grasp

Synonyms

  • 严— Strict, tight (in discipline or control)
  • 急— Urgent, pressing
  • 密— Dense, close (in arrangement)

Antonyms

  • 松— Loose, relaxed
  • 宽— Wide, lenient
  • 缓— Slow, relaxed

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The rope is very tight (绳子很紧).
  • Time is pressing (时间紧迫).
  • He tightened the screw (他拧紧了螺丝).
  • The housing market is tight (住房供应紧张).

Collocations

  • Tight(紧的)
  • Urgent(紧急)
  • Nervous(紧张)
  • Compress(紧缩)
  • Close-fitting(紧身)
  • Firmly grasp(抓紧)

Idioms

  • Time is pressing and the situation is critical(紧锣密鼓)
  • Pursue closely without letting up(紧追不舍)
  • Keep a tight grip on(抓紧)
  • Urgent and important(紧要)
  • Close-fitting and seamless(严丝合缝)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, 'tight' often conveys discipline, rigor, and careful control.
  • The character reflects values of diligence and not being lax in work or study.
  • In economic contexts, it describes policies of restraint and control over spending or credit.

FAQ