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| 紧张 [2025/08/04 01:46] – created xiaoer | 紧张 [2025/08/04 01:47] (current) – xiaoer |
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| ====== jǐnzhāng: 紧张 - Nervous, Tense, Tight ====== | ====== jǐnzhāng: 紧张 - Nervous, Tense, Tight ====== |
| ===== Quick Summary ===== | ===== Quick Summary ===== |
| * **Keywords:** jinzhang, jǐnzhāng, 紧张, nervous in Chinese, tense in Chinese, Chinese word for stress, tight schedule in Chinese, anxious Chinese, jinzhang vs danxin, Chinese HSK 3 word | * **Keywords:** jinzhang, jǐnzhāng, 紧张, what does jinzhang mean, nervous in Chinese, tense in Chinese, anxious in Chinese, tight schedule in Chinese, strained relationship, scarce resources, HSK 2 word |
| * **Summary:** The Chinese word **紧张 (jǐnzhāng)** is a versatile term for beginners to learn, primarily meaning nervous, tense, or tight. It perfectly describes the emotional feeling of being nervous before a test, the social tension in a difficult conversation, or the practical pressure of a tight schedule or budget. Understanding **紧张** is key to expressing common feelings of stress and pressure in everyday Mandarin Chinese. | * **Summary:** Learn how to use **紧张 (jǐnzhāng)**, one of the most common and versatile adjectives in Mandarin Chinese. This page explains its core meaning of "nervous," "tense," or "tight," covering everything from pre-exam jitters and strained relationships to a tight budget. Discover the cultural context of **紧张 (jǐnzhāng)** in China's high-pressure society and master its use with practical examples, common mistakes, and related terms. |
| ===== Core Meaning ===== | ===== Core Meaning ===== |
| * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** jǐnzhāng | * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** jǐnzhāng |
| * **Part of Speech:** Adjective | * **Part of Speech:** Adjective |
| * **HSK Level:** HSK 3 | * **HSK Level:** HSK 2 |
| * **Concise Definition:** To be nervous or anxious; to be in a state of tension or scarcity. | * **Concise Definition:** To be nervous or anxious; to be in a state of tension, scarcity, or strain. |
| * **In a Nutshell:** Think of **紧张 (jǐnzhāng)** as the feeling or state of being "stretched taut." This can be your emotions before a speech (nervous), the atmosphere in a silent, angry room (tense), your schedule before a deadline (tight), or even the supply of goods during a crisis (strained, scarce). It's the go-to word for describing the physical and emotional response to pressure. | * **In a Nutshell:** **紧张 (jǐnzhāng)** is the go-to word for describing the feeling of butterflies in your stomach before a test, an interview, or a first date. Beyond personal feelings, it's also used to describe situations that are "tense" or "strained," like a quiet argument or a tight deadline. Think of it as the feeling or state of being stretched thin, whether emotionally, physically, or in terms of resources. |
| ===== Character Breakdown ===== | ===== Character Breakdown ===== |
| * **紧 (jǐn):** This character means "tight," "taut," or "close." The radical 糸 (sī) means "silk thread," evoking the image of a thread being pulled tight. | * **紧 (jǐn):** This character often means "tight," "close," or "urgent." Its radical 糸 (mì) means "silk." You can picture silk threads being pulled taut, creating tension. |
| * **张 (zhāng):** This character means "to stretch open," "to expand," or "to draw a bow." The radical is 弓 (gōng), which is a bow (as in a bow and arrow). | * **张 (zhāng):** This character means "to stretch," "to open," or "a sheet of (something)." It contains the radical for "bow" (弓 gōng), evoking the image of drawing a bowstring, stretching it tight before releasing an arrow. |
| * The combination of "tight" (紧) and "to stretch" (张) creates a vivid picture of being pulled in opposite directions or stretched to a limit, like a fully drawn bowstring. This powerful imagery perfectly encapsulates the feeling of tension, nervousness, and strain. | * Together, **紧 (tight) + 张 (stretch)** create a powerful and intuitive image: being pulled tight and stretched out. This perfectly captures the physical and emotional sensation of being **紧张 (jǐnzhāng)** – nervous, tense, and strained. |
| ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== | ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== |
| * In Chinese culture, which often places a high value on performance, academic success, and social harmony, situations causing a **紧张** feeling are very common. The immense pressure of the *高考 (gāokǎo)*, the national college entrance exam, is a classic example of a situation that is universally described as **紧张**. | In Chinese culture, particularly in the context of education and career, **紧张 (jǐnzhāng)** is an ever-present concept. The immense pressure of exams like the infamous **高考 (gāokǎo)** (college entrance exam) creates a shared national experience of intense **紧张**. This term is therefore deeply understood not just as a personal feeling but as a collective societal pressure. |
| * **Comparison to "Anxiety":** While **紧张 (jǐnzhāng)** can be translated as "anxious," it differs from the Western clinical concept of "anxiety." **紧张** is almost always situational and temporary. You feel **紧张** because of a specific, external event (an exam, an interview, a conflict). It's seen as a normal reaction. The English word "anxiety" can imply a more persistent, internal, and potentially pathological state. The Chinese word for that chronic condition is closer to `焦虑 (jiāolǜ)`. Therefore, saying "我很紧张 (Wǒ hěn jǐnzhāng)" is a very common and normal statement, whereas "I am very anxious" can carry a heavier weight in English. | A key difference from the English word "nervous" is that **紧张 (jǐnzhāng)** is almost exclusively associated with negative pressure or anxiety. In English, one might say, "I'm so nervous for the concert, I can't wait!" implying a kind of thrilled anticipation. Using **紧张** in this context in Chinese would be inappropriate; it would only convey anxiety and worry, not excitement. The Chinese word for that kind of positive excitement is **兴奋 (xīngfèn)**. **紧张** is about the strain, not the thrill. |
| ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== | ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== |
| * **Emotional State (Nervous/Anxious):** This is the most common usage. It's used for feelings before any performance-based activity. | **紧张** is an extremely common word used in various aspects of daily life. |
| * e.g., Before a job interview, a first date, giving a presentation, or taking an exam. | * **Expressing Personal Feelings:** This is the most common use for learners. You can use it to describe your feelings before any stressful event. |
| * **Situational State (Tense/Strained):** It can describe the atmosphere or relationship between people or groups. | * e.g., "I'm a little nervous." (我有点儿紧张。) |
| * e.g., A tense meeting, a strained relationship (`关系很紧张`), or a tense international standoff. | * **Describing a Tense Atmosphere or Relationship:** It can describe interpersonal dynamics or the "vibe" in a room. |
| * **Resource State (Tight/Scarce):** This is a crucial non-emotional meaning that beginners must learn. It refers to a lack of time, money, or resources. | * e.g., "The atmosphere in the meeting was very tense." (会议的气氛很紧张。) |
| * e.g., A tight schedule (`时间很紧张`), a tight budget (`预算很紧张`), or a strained supply of goods (`供应紧张`). | * e.g., "Their relationship has become strained recently." (他们最近关系很紧张。) |
| | * **Describing Scarcity (Time, Money, Resources):** This is a crucial meaning that extends beyond emotions. It means that something is "tight." |
| | * e.g., "Time is tight." (时间很紧张。) |
| | * e.g., "Our budget is very tight this month." (我们这个月的预算很紧张。) |
| | The connotation is almost always neutral to negative. It describes a state of stress or scarcity that one would typically want to resolve or escape from. |
| ===== Example Sentences ===== | ===== Example Sentences ===== |
| * **Example 1:** | * **Example 1:** |
| * 明天有考试，我现在非常**紧张**。 | * 明天有考试，我感到很**紧张**。 |
| * Pinyin: Míngtiān yǒu kǎoshì, wǒ xiànzài fēicháng **jǐnzhāng**. | * Pinyin: Míngtiān yǒu kǎoshì, wǒ gǎndào hěn **jǐnzhāng**. |
| * English: I have a test tomorrow, I'm very nervous right now. | * English: I have a test tomorrow, I feel very nervous. |
| * Analysis: This is the most classic use of **紧张**, expressing the emotional state of nervousness due to an upcoming event. | * Analysis: This is the most classic and straightforward use of **紧张** to describe personal anxiety about an upcoming event. |
| * **Example 2:** | * **Example 2:** |
| * 你别**紧张**，这只是一个简单的面试。 | * 你别**紧张**，这只是一个简单的面试。 |
| * Pinyin: Nǐ bié **jǐnzhāng**, zhè zhǐshì yí ge jiǎndān de miànshì. | * Pinyin: Nǐ bié **jǐnzhāng**, zhè zhǐshì yī ge jiǎndān de miànshì. |
| * English: Don't be nervous, this is just a simple interview. | * English: Don't be nervous, this is just a simple interview. |
| * Analysis: Here, `别 (bié)` is used to tell someone not to do something. `别紧张` is a very common phrase to comfort someone. | * Analysis: Here, **别 (bié)** is used to tell someone not to do something. "别紧张" is a very common phrase of reassurance. |
| * **Example 3:** | * **Example 3:** |
| * 会议室里的气氛有点**紧张**。 | * 会议室里的气氛突然变得**紧张**起来。 |
| * Pinyin: Huìyìshì lǐ de qìfēn yǒudiǎn **jǐnzhāng**. | * Pinyin: Huìyìshì lǐ de qìfēn tūrán biànde **jǐnzhāng** qǐlái. |
| * English: The atmosphere in the meeting room is a bit tense. | * English: The atmosphere in the conference room suddenly became tense. |
| * Analysis: This shows **紧张** used to describe a situation or atmosphere, not a person's direct feeling. | * Analysis: This shows **紧张** describing an external situation (气氛 - qìfēn - atmosphere), not just a person's internal feeling. |
| * **Example 4:** | * **Example 4:** |
| * 最近工作太多，我的时间很**紧张**。 | * 最近因为工作，我们夫妻之间的关系有点**紧张**。 |
| * Pinyin: Zuìjìn gōngzuò tài duō, wǒ de shíjiān hěn **jǐnzhāng**. | * Pinyin: Zuìjìn yīnwèi gōngzuò, wǒmen fūqī zhījiān de guānxi yǒudiǎn **jǐnzhāng**. |
| * English: I have too much work recently, my schedule is very tight. | * English: Recently, due to work, the relationship between my husband and I has been a bit strained. |
| * Analysis: A perfect example of the "resource scarcity" meaning. It doesn't mean the schedule "feels nervous," but that it is packed and there is no spare time. | * Analysis: A perfect example of **紧张** being used to mean "strained" in the context of interpersonal relationships (关系 - guānxi). |
| * **Example 5:** | * **Example 5:** |
| * 由于战争，两国的关系非常**紧张**。 | * 项目的截止日期快到了，时间非常**紧张**。 |
| * Pinyin: Yóuyú zhànzhēng, liǎng guó de guānxì fēicháng **jǐnzhāng**. | * Pinyin: Xiàngmù de jiézhǐ rìqī kuài dào le, shíjiān fēicháng **jǐnzhāng**. |
| * English: Due to the war, the relationship between the two countries is very tense. | * English: The project's deadline is approaching, time is very tight. |
| * Analysis: This demonstrates the use of **紧张** in a formal, geopolitical context to mean "strained" or "tense." | * Analysis: This demonstrates the "scarcity" meaning. "Time is tight" is a direct and common translation for 时间很紧张 (shíjiān hěn jǐnzhāng). |
| * **Example 6:** | * **Example 6:** |
| * 我们公司的预算很**紧张**，所以不能买新的电脑。 | * 由于资金**紧张**，公司不得不取消了年会。 |
| * Pinyin: Wǒmen gōngsī de yùsuàn hěn **jǐnzhāng**, suǒyǐ bùnéng mǎi xīn de diànnǎo. | * Pinyin: Yóuyú zījīn **jǐnzhāng**, gōngsī bùdébù qǔxiāo le niánhuì. |
| * English: Our company's budget is very tight, so we can't buy new computers. | * English: Due to a tight budget (lit: tight funds), the company had to cancel the annual party. |
| * Analysis: Similar to the "tight schedule" example, this shows **紧张** being used for financial scarcity. | * Analysis: Another "scarcity" example, this time applied to money/funds (资金 - zījīn). |
| * **Example 7:** | * **Example 7:** |
| * 看到警察，他**紧张**得说不出话来。 | * 第一次上台演讲，他**紧张**得说不出话来。 |
| * Pinyin: Kàndào jǐngchá, tā **jǐnzhāng** de shuō bu chū huà lái. | * Pinyin: Dì-yī cì shàngtái yǎnjiǎng, tā **jǐnzhāng** de shuō bù chū huà lái. |
| * English: Seeing the police officer, he was so nervous he couldn't speak. | * English: The first time he went on stage to give a speech, he was so nervous he couldn't speak. |
| * Analysis: The structure `[adjective] + 得 + [result]` shows the result of being nervous. This is a very useful grammar pattern. | * Analysis: The structure "adjective + 得 (de) + result" is used to describe the extent of the feeling. His nervousness resulted in being speechless. |
| * **Example 8:** | * **Example 8:** |
| * 比赛的最后一分钟，所有观众都感到很**紧张**。 | * 看到警察，那个小偷显得很**紧张**。 |
| * Pinyin: Bǐsài de zuìhòu yì fēnzhōng, suǒyǒu guānzhòng dōu gǎndào hěn **jǐnzhāng**. | * Pinyin: Kàndào jǐngchá, nàge xiǎotōu xiǎnde hěn **jǐnzhāng**. |
| * English: In the final minute of the match, all the spectators felt very tense/excited. | * English: Upon seeing the police officer, the thief appeared very nervous. |
| * Analysis: In a sports context, **紧张** can also carry a connotation of excitement or suspense, not just negative nervousness. | * Analysis: **显得 (xiǎnde)** means "to appear" or "to seem," useful for describing how someone comes across to others. |
| * **Example 9:** | * **Example 9:** |
| * 他的肌肉很**紧张**，需要放松一下。 | * 这部电影的情节非常**紧张**，我一直很投入。 |
| * Pinyin: Tā de jīròu hěn **jǐnzhāng**, xūyào fàngsōng yíxià. | * Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng de qíngjié fēicháng **jǐnzhāng**, wǒ yīzhí hěn tóurù. |
| * English: His muscles are very tense, he needs to relax a bit. | * English: The plot of this movie is very tense/suspenseful, I was engrossed the whole time. |
| * Analysis: This is a literal, physical usage of the word, meaning "tight" or "stiff." Note the direct antonym, `放松 (fàngsōng)`, is used here. | * Analysis: In a narrative context (like a movie or book), **紧张** is the perfect word for "tense" or "suspenseful." |
| * **Example 10:** | * **Example 10:** |
| * 在大城市，住房供应很**紧张**。 | * 长时间看电脑后，我的肩膀肌肉很**紧张**。 |
| * Pinyin: Zài dà chéngshì, zhùfáng gōngyìng hěn **jǐnzhāng**. | * Pinyin: Cháng shíjiān kàn diànnǎo hòu, wǒ de jiānbǎng jīròu hěn **jǐnzhāng**. |
| * English: In big cities, the housing supply is tight/strained. | * English: After looking at the computer for a long time, my shoulder muscles are very tense/tight. |
| * Analysis: Another example of **紧张** describing resource scarcity on a large scale. | * Analysis: This shows the literal, physical meaning of **紧张**: muscular tension. |
| ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== | ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== |
| * **紧张 (jǐnzhāng) vs. 担心 (dānxīn):** This is the most common point of confusion. | * **Mistake 1: Confusing "Nervous" with "Worried".** |
| * **紧张 (jǐnzhāng)** is the physical or emotional *feeling* of stress and tension. It's about your body's reaction. (e.g., sweating palms, fast heartbeat). | * English speakers often use "nervous" and "worried" interchangeably. In Chinese, they are distinct. |
| * **担心 (dānxīn)** is the mental *act* of worrying about a potential negative outcome. It's about your thoughts. | * **紧张 (jǐnzhāng)** is the physical and mental feeling of stress, often immediate. (e.g., //"My heart is pounding, I'm so nervous."//) |
| * **Correct:** 我很**紧张**，因为我**担心**会迟到。(Wǒ hěn jǐnzhāng, yīnwèi wǒ dānxīn huì chídào.) - "I am nervous because I am worried I will be late." You feel the tension (**紧张**) because of the thought/worry (**担心**). | * **[[担心]] (dānxīn)** is the mental act of worrying about a potential negative outcome, which can last for a long time. (e.g., //"I'm worried about his health."//) |
| * **False Friend: "Tight" Clothing:** You cannot use **紧张** to describe clothes that are too small. For that, you use its root character, **紧 (jǐn)**. | * **Incorrect:** 我很紧张他的身体。 (Wǒ hěn jǐnzhāng tā de shēntǐ.) |
| * **Incorrect:** 这条裤子很紧张。(Zhè tiáo kùzi hěn jǐnzhāng.) | * **Correct:** 我很**担心**他的身体。 (Wǒ hěn dānxīn tā de shēntǐ. - I'm very worried about his health.) |
| * **Correct:** 这条裤子太**紧**了。(Zhè tiáo kùzi tài jǐn le.) - "These pants are too tight." | * **Mistake 2: Using 紧张 for positive excitement.** |
| | * As mentioned in the cultural section, **紧张** does not mean "excited." Using it this way will cause confusion. |
| | * **Incorrect:** 我要去度假了，我很紧张！ (Wǒ yào qù dùjià le, wǒ hěn jǐnzhāng! - Implies you are anxious and stressed about the vacation.) |
| | * **Correct:** 我要去度假了，我很**兴奋**！ (Wǒ yào qù dùjià le, wǒ hěn xīngfèn! - I'm going on vacation, I'm so excited!) |
| | * **Mistake 3: Forgetting the "tight/scarce" meaning.** |
| | * Learners often master the "nervous" meaning but forget that **紧张** is essential for talking about tight schedules, budgets, or strained situations. Don't limit the word to just feelings. |
| ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== | ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== |
| * [[担心]] (dānxīn) - To worry. The mental act that often causes the feeling of **紧张**. | * [[担心]] (dānxīn) - To worry. This is a purely mental state about a potential problem, whereas **紧张** is a psychophysical reaction to immediate pressure. |
| * [[害怕]] (hàipà) - To be scared/afraid. Stronger than **紧张** and usually linked to a specific fear (e.g., afraid of spiders, afraid of the dark). | * [[害怕]] (hàipà) - To be scared, afraid. This implies fear of a specific danger, which is stronger than the general anxiety of **紧张**. You are **害怕** a snake, but **紧张** for a presentation. |
| * [[压力]] (yālì) - Pressure, stress. Often the external cause of the internal feeling of **紧张**. | * [[焦虑]] (jiāolǜ) - Anxiety, anxious. A more formal or clinical term, often describing a chronic condition rather than a temporary state. |
| * [[放松]] (fàngsōng) - To relax. The direct antonym of **紧张**, both for emotions and for physical muscles. | * [[压力]] (yālì) - Pressure, stress. This is often the //cause// of the feeling of **紧张**. (e.g., 学习压力很大，所以他很紧张 - Xuéxí yālì hěn dà, suǒyǐ tā hěn jǐnzhāng - The academic pressure is high, so he is very nervous.) |
| * [[焦虑]] (jiāolǜ) - Anxiety. A more formal, clinical, or chronic state of anxiety, as opposed to the situational feeling of **紧张**. | * [[放松]] (fàngsōng) - To relax. The direct antonym of **紧张**. |
| * [[气氛]] (qìfēn) - Atmosphere. An atmosphere can be described as **紧张**. | * [[激烈]] (jīliè) - Intense, fierce. Often used to describe a competition or argument that would make people feel **紧张**. |
| * [[激烈]] (jīliè) - Intense, fierce. Describes a competition or argument that would make participants feel **紧张**. | * [[着急]] (zháojí) - To be worried, anxious, often with a sense of impatience or urgency to solve a problem. It's more active than **紧张**. |
| * [[急]] (jí) - Hurried, anxious, impatient. Describes a feeling of needing to do something quickly, a sense of urgency. | * [[气氛]] (qìfēn) - Atmosphere. A noun that is very frequently described using the adjective **紧张**. |