精
jīng
refined, essence
At a glance · 精

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Evolution of the glyph

Five stages, from a sketch of the real object to regular script — tap a stage, drag the timeline, or play the animation.

精 Evolution of the glyph
  1. 精 Object sketch
    Object sketchBefore writing · drawing what was seen
  2. 精 Oracle bone
    Oracle boneShang dynasty · c. 1300–1046 BCE
  3. 精 Seal script
    Seal scriptQin dynasty · 221–206 BCE
  4. 精 Clerical script
    Clerical scriptHan dynasty · 206 BCE–220 CE
  5. 精 Regular script
    Regular scriptWei–Jin to Tang · c. 3rd–9th century CE
Object sketchBefore writing · drawing what was seenOracle boneShang dynasty · c. 1300–1046 BCESeal scriptQin dynasty · 221–206 BCEClerical scriptHan dynasty · 206 BCE–220 CERegular scriptWei–Jin to Tang · c. 3rd–9th century CE

⚠ Some ancient forms are not attested:oracle bone form、seal script form。No excavated oracle bone / seal artifact is attested for this character yet; we leave it blank rather than fabricate.

小篆从米青声,形声字,本指上等细米,引申为精华、精神。隶楷作「精」。

What the sketch shows

精 Object sketch

Origins & notes

「精」本指纯净好米,引申为精细、精灵。

Structure

形声字,米为意符,青为声符。

At a glance

Pinyinjīng
Radical米
Strokes14
UnicodeU+7CBE
Character type形声
Theme状态

Six languages, one character

Each page offers hreflang versions; switching language keeps the glyphs and meanings aligned.

English refined, essence Refined, fine; essence, spirit.
Français raffiné, essence Raffiné, fin; essence, esprit.
Español refinado, esencia Refinado, fino; esencia, espíritu.
العربية نقي، جوهر نقي أو جوهر أو روح.
Русский тонкий, суть Отборный, тонкий; суть, дух.

Common words

  • 精神jīng shénspirit
  • 精确jīng quèprecise