jing4凝
Definition
To gather dispersed things together; to condense, solidify, or congeal.
- to gather; to aggregate; to cohere
- to condense, solidify, or congeal
How it's used
Beyond the literal sense of physical solidification or coagulation, this character is frequently used in the colloquial sense of having a hunch or a persistent feeling about something. When used this way, it often implies a slightly uneasy or suspicious intuition, similar to having a gut feeling that something is not quite right. It is common to hear it paired with the aspect marker 住 to emphasize the lingering nature of that thought or sensation.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse the colloquial sense of having a hunch with the formal physical process of solidification, as the former is strictly a psychological state while the latter refers to phase changes in matter. Learners often misuse it as a general verb for thinking, but it specifically refers to a fixed, repetitive, or suspicious thought rather than active reasoning.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
