輕 (qīng) - light (in weight) & gentle

輕Tone 1

qīng ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

器情

輕 · qīng

light (in weight);

gentle;

soft;

easy;

relaxed;

unimportant;

to belittle;

to make light of.

light (in weight)gentlesoft

Usage highlights

lightyounglightlyeasyrelaxedbicycle

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 重— heavy; important
  • 沉— heavy; sinking
  • 难— difficult

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This box is very light (这个箱子很轻).
  • She spoke in a gentle voice (轻声说话).
  • The work is relatively easy (工作比较轻).
  • He takes his responsibilities lightly (他对待责任很轻).

Collocations

  • light (weight)(轻)
  • young(年轻)
  • lightly(轻轻地)
  • easy(轻易)
  • relaxed(轻松)
  • bicycle(自行车)

Idioms

  • To treat lightly(掉以轻心)
  • Young and inexperiened(年轻气盛)
  • Light words and little sincerity(轻诺寡信)
  • To make light of a serious matter(轻重倒置)
  • To go into battle lightly(轻装上阵)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese philosophy, 'light' (轻) is often contrasted with 'heavy' (重), representing concepts like insignificance versus importance, or ease versus difficulty.
  • The character appears in many compound words related to modern transportation like 'bicycle' (自行车) and 'car' (汽车).
  • In martial arts and military strategy, the concept of 'light' movement is valued for agility and flexibility.

FAQ