Meanings of 尽
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About 尽
Podcast: 尽
Podcast: 尽
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AI Study Notes for 尽
尽 (jǐn) vs 完 (wán) — use 尽 when emphasizing exhaustiveness or limits, while 完 focuses on completion without the implication of totality.
Imagine a person stretching their arms out fully to the sides (尽), representing their utmost effort. The character has the radical for 'to use' (用) within it, emphasizing the idea of using something to its limit or exhaustively.
Be careful not to confuse 尽 with similar-sounding words. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in phrases like '尽全力' (do one's utmost). Pay attention to the tone; mispronouncing it could lead to misunderstandings.
Although 尽 is not listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with HSK Level 4 vocabulary concerning actions and completions. Focus on its use in various phrases and its collocations to enhance your understanding.
In Chinese culture, the concept of giving one's all is highly valued, often reflected in sayings related to hard work and dedication. The use of 尽 in phrases can reflect cultural attitudes toward diligence and thoroughness.
Learners often confuse 尽 with other similar characters, such as 近 (jìn), which means 'close' or 'near.' For example, saying '尽近' instead of just '尽' can lead to confusion; remember that 尽 emphasizes totality or exhaustion.
Pronunciation of 尽
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Etymology of 尽
Simplified form of 盡. Pictograph of scrubbing dishes clean after one is finished eating. The traditional component 皿 was removed for simplification.
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 尽?
Decomposition of 尽
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 尽?
Write 尽
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Practice writing 尽 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 尽
尽 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 15 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
Used to indicate trying one's best or making an effort.
我会尽量帮助你。
I will try my best to help you.
Complete the Sentence
志愿者要____量自己克服困难。
Volunteers should try their best to overcome difficulties on their own.
Common Confusions with 尽
Similar pronunciation but different meanings.
Similar pronunciation but different meanings.
尽量 emphasizes effort, while 尽 refers to the extent or limit of something.
尽量做到最好 vs. 尽可能快
尽量 emphasizes effort, while 尽 refers to the extent or limit of something.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to the greatest extent"?
Usage Notes for 尽
尽 should not be confused with 仅, which means 'only'.
这仅是个开始。
This is just the beginning.
Example Sentences for 尽 (10)
Reorder the Sentence
I try to offend the least amount of people possible.
Cultural Notes for 尽
The character 尽 (jǐn) has origins in ancient Chinese philosophy, reflecting the idea of exhausting one's potential or resources. It embodies the spirit of perseverance, which is deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
In Chinese culture, the concept of giving one's all is highly valued, often reflected in sayings related to hard work and dedication. The use of 尽 in phrases can reflect cultural attitudes toward diligence and thoroughness.
A common Chinese saying is '尽心尽力' (jǐn xīn jǐn lì), meaning to do something with utmost care and effort, highlighting the value placed on diligence and commitment in Chinese society.
Word Family of 尽
Compound Meaning
What does 烬 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 尽
尽 (jǐn) and 结束 (jié shù) both relate to completion but have different nuances. 尽 emphasizes reaching the fullest extent or using something up, while 结束 refers to concluding or finishing an action. Understanding these differences can enhance your fluency.