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March 24, 2026
神经(神經)shénjīng(shen2jing1)
神经 (shénjīng) refers primarily to nerves in a biological context, but it can also describe someone's mental state or behavior, especially when they are perceived as overly sensitive or irrational. In informal usage, it can colloquially denote someone as 'crazy' or 'unhinged'. The word is often used in everyday conversation to comment on someone's emotional reactions or mental health.
Frequency#1825DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, mental health is often stigmatized, and terms like 神经 are used more casually in society. This reflects a broader cultural tendency to address emotional behaviors with humor or lightness, rather than serious consideration.
Memory Tip
Imagine a '神' (shén) or divine being with '经' (jīng) running through its body like nerves. Picture this being reacting dramatically to everyday situations, showcasing how sensitive or 'crazy' it can appear, which helps connect the sound 'shen2 jing1' to its meaning.
Meanings of 神经
shénjīng(shen2jing1)
1nerve
2mental state
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About 神经
神经Simplified
神經Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1825Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRB2
Podcast: 神经
Podcast: 神经
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AI Study Notes for 神经
Quick Contrast
神经 (shénjīng) vs 疯狂 (fēngkuáng) — use 神经 for biological or sensitive mental states, while 疯狂 specifically refers to madness or extreme irrationality.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a '神' (shén) or divine being with '经' (jīng) running through its body like nerves. Picture this being reacting dramatically to everyday situations, showcasing how sensitive or 'crazy' it can appear, which helps connect the sound 'shen2 jing1' to its meaning.
Usage Notes
Be careful when using 神经 in conversation, as its informal connotation can be offensive if directed at someone. It is often used in casual settings rather than formal ones, and common collocations include phrases like '神经病' (shénjīngbìng), meaning 'mental illness'. Avoid using it in polite company or when discussing serious mental health issues.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 神经 connects to other advanced vocabulary about health and emotions. Focus on its various contexts, especially its colloquial usage, and practice forming sentences with it to express opinions about mental states.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, mental health is often stigmatized, and terms like 神经 are used more casually in society. This reflects a broader cultural tendency to address emotional behaviors with humor or lightness, rather than serious consideration.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 神经 as a direct translation for 'nerve' in medical contexts, while it should be used more for emotional or colloquial expressions. For example, saying '我有神经痛' (wǒ yǒu shénjīng tòng) for 'I have nerve pain' is incorrect; the correct term would be '神经痛' (shénjīng tòng) referring to neuralgia.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 神经
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Grammar Patterns of 神经
神经 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
This movement lengthens your spine and tones the spinal nerves.
7
他身体出现了神经性抽搐，开始不停地眨眼睛。
tā shēn tǐ chū xiàn le shén jīng xìng chōu chù， ， kāi shǐ bù tíng dì zhǎ yǎn。
He developed a nervous twitch and began to blink constantly.
8
他访问了两人都曾工作过的哈瓦那的神经病学研究所.
tā fǎng wèn le liǎng rén dū zēng gōng zuò guò de hā wǎ nà de shén jīng bìng xué yán jiū suǒ.
He visited the Institute of Neurology in Havana where they both worked.
9
她打算干什么？她跟她那兄弟一样神经！
tā dǎ suàn gān shí mó？ ？ tā gēn tā nà xiōng dì yī yàng shén！
What's she up to? She's as loony as her brother!
10
我曾经神经崩溃过。那是一次痛苦的经历。
wǒ zēng jīng shén jīng bēng kuì guò。 。 nà shì yī cì tòng kǔ de jīng。
I suffered a nervous breakdown. It was a traumatic experience.
Cultural Notes for 神经
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, mental health is often stigmatized, and terms like 神经 are used more casually in society. This reflects a broader cultural tendency to address emotional behaviors with humor or lightness, rather than serious consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions about 神经
Yes, but be cautious as it can sound derogatory in certain contexts.
Typically, no. It is more appropriate for spoken language or informal writing.
