經 (jīng) - Classic text, scripture & to pass through, undergo

經Tone 1

jīng ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

傑君

經 · jīng

Classic text, scripture;

to pass through, undergo;

manage, operate;

longitude;

menstruation;

constant, regular.

Classic text, scriptureto pass through, undergomanage, operate

Usage highlights

Classic textLongitudeExperienceManage/operatePass throughBuddhist scripture

Synonyms

  • 典— canon, classic text
  • 历— experience, undergo
  • 管— manage, administer

Antonyms

  • 纬— latitude, horizontal (opposite to longitude)
  • 权— temporary, expedient (opposite to constant principle)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The Classic of Poetry is one of the Five Classics (诗经).
  • The longitude of this location is 120 degrees (经度).
  • She has extensive experience in business management (经营管理).
  • This matter requires your personal attention (经过).

Collocations

  • Classic text(经典)
  • Longitude(经度)
  • Experience(经验)
  • Manage/operate(经营)
  • Pass through(经过)
  • Buddhist scripture(佛经)

Idioms

  • The mind is distracted and thoughts are in turmoil(心乱如麻，经纶满腹)
  • Full of political strategies and statecraft(满腹经纶)
  • Passed down through the ages(经久不衰)
  • The Four Books and Five Classics(四书五经)
  • Wander about without any aim(漫无经心)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the vertical threads in weaving, extended to mean fundamental principles and canonical texts.
  • The character appears in names of Confucian classics like the Five Classics (五经) that formed the core of traditional education.
  • In Buddhism, used for sutras and scriptures (e.g., 佛经, 心经).
  • Represents enduring principles and systematic knowledge in Chinese philosophical tradition.

FAQ