How to Write 矜 (jīn) — Meaning “to boast; to restrain; to pity”

Imagine you are holding a spear (矛) right now (今), but you decide not to brag about it—you restrain yourself. This picture of "now holding a spear but staying modest" helps you recall that 矜 means both to boast and to restrain.

The left part 矛 ends with a left-falling stroke (撇), not a vertical hook. The right part 今 starts with two downward strokes (撇 and 捺), then a dot and a horizontal hook (横撇). Make sure the dot under 今 is small and centered, and do not confuse the left side with 予.

矜持 (jīn chí) means restrained or reserved, often used to describe someone who is shy or aloof in social settings. 矜夸 (jīn kuā) means to boast or show off, and is negative. 哀矜 (āi jīn) means pity or compassion and appears in more literary or formal contexts.

矜 is not common in everyday conversation but appears in formal writing, literature, and idioms. 矜持 is the most frequently used word, and in Chinese culture it is considered a positive, modest trait, especially for women who are expected to be reserved and graceful.

Common words containing 矜 include: 矜持 (jīn chí) — restrained; reserved; aloof; 矜夸 (jīn kuā) — to boast; to show off; 哀矜 (āi jīn) — pity; compassion.