still, quiet, motionless, gentle

JLPT N3 14 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (jìng) primarily means 'quiet,' 'still,' or 'calm.' It describes environments or states where noise or movement is minimal or absent. It can refer to physical silence, such as a quiet room, or metaphorical calmness, like a peaceful mind.

Common Collocations

  • 保持安静 (bǎochí ānjìng): to keep quiet, often used in public or formal settings.
  • 安静环境 (ānjìng de huánjìng): a quiet environment, emphasizing peaceful surroundings.
  • (jìng de xiàng): used to compare something very still to another object, e.g., 镜子 (as still as a mirror).

Usage Notes

is often used in formal or polite contexts to request silence or describe tranquility. It contrasts with noisy or chaotic situations. When combined with 保持, it forms a common phrase to politely ask for quiet. It is different from 嘘 (xū), which is an interjection to hush someone.

Common Confusion

should not be confused with (qīng), which means clear or pure. focuses on the absence of noise or movement, while relates to clarity or cleanliness.

Example Sentences

The library is very quiet; everyone is reading seriously.

Please keep quiet and do not disturb others.

The lake surface at night is so still it looks like a mirror.