荆 (jīng) - A type of thorny shrub (Vitex negundo) & historically refers to the ancient state of Chu

荆Tone 1

jīng ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 艹

傑君

荆 · jīng

A type of thorny shrub (Vitex negundo);

historically refers to the ancient state of Chu;

used in names for places and people.

A type of thorny shrub (Vitex negundo)historically refers to the ancient state of Chuused in names for places and people.

Usage highlights

Thorns and thistlesJingchu regionJingzhou cityJingxiang regionJing RiverJing Mountain

Synonyms

  • 楚— Chu (ancient state)
  • 棘— thorn, bramble

Antonyms

  • 坦— smooth, level (opposite of thorny)
  • 顺— smooth, favorable

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The path was overgrown with brambles (荆棘).
  • He comes from Hubei Province (荆楚之地).
  • Jingzhou is an important city (荆州).
  • The thorn bush has medicinal properties (荆条).

Collocations

  • Thorns and thistles(荆棘)
  • Jingchu region(荆楚)
  • Jingzhou city(荆州)
  • Jingxiang region(荆襄)
  • Jing River(荆江)
  • Jing Mountain(荆山)

Idioms

  • Repent while wearing a thorny branch(负荆请罪)
  • Cut through thorns and thistles(披荆斩棘)
  • Three households of Chu can destroy Qin(楚虽三户，亡秦必楚)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically refers to the ancient state of Chu, also called Jingchu, in the middle Yangtze region.
  • Associated with hardship and resilience due to the thorny nature of the plant.
  • Used in the idiom '负荆请罪' where one carries thorny branches to show sincere apology.

FAQ