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

緊Tone 3

jǐn ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

傑君

緊 · jǐn

Tight, taut, tense;

urgent, pressing;

strict, rigorous;

to tighten;

in short supply.

Tight, taut, tenseurgent, pressingstrict, rigorous

Usage highlights

TightUrgentNervousShort supplyCompressClose

Synonyms

  • 急— urgent, hurried
  • 严— strict, rigorous
  • 密— dense, close

Antonyms

  • 松— loose, relaxed
  • 缓— slow, delayed
  • 宽— wide, lenient

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The rope is very tight (绳子很紧).
  • We are in urgent need of supplies (物资紧缺).
  • Time is pressing (时间紧迫).
  • He tightened the screw (他拧紧了螺丝).
  • The government implemented strict controls (政府实施了严格控制).

Collocations

  • Tight(紧的)
  • Urgent(紧急)
  • Nervous(紧张)
  • Short supply(紧缺)
  • Compress(紧缩)
  • Close(紧密)

Idioms

  • Time is pressing and the situation is critical(时间紧迫，形势危急)
  • Keep a tight grip without slackening(抓紧不放松)
  • Close cooperation(紧密合作)
  • Urgent matters take precedence(急事紧办)
  • The purse strings are tight(手头紧)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, 'tight' often conveys a sense of discipline, rigor, and urgency, valued in both personal conduct and organizational management.
  • The character appears in terms related to economic policy (紧缩) and social control, reflecting its application in formal and administrative contexts.
  • It can also describe interpersonal relationships as 'close-knit' (紧密), emphasizing strong bonds and cooperation.

FAQ