How to Write 劲 (jìn/jìng) — Meaning “Strength; energy; spirit”

Imagine a winding path (巠) that requires a lot of strength (力) to walk up, representing the energy and effort needed. This visual of 'path plus strength' helps link the parts to the idea of vigor and exertion.

The left side 巠 has a unique shape: start with a horizontal stroke, then a vertical stroke, then a horizontal, then a sweeping stroke (like a short slash), and finally a vertical hook. A common mistake is to confuse this left side with 又 (again) or 弓 (bow), so practice the sequence carefully to match the standard 7 strokes.

劲 (jìn) uses left side 巠 and right side 力, meaning energy or spirit, while 功 (gōng) has left side 工 (work) and right side 力, meaning achievement or effort. 加 (jiā) is different—it has left side 力 and right side 口 (mouth), meaning to add, so the visual and meaning contrasts are clear: 劲 focuses on internal strength, 功 on results, and 加 on addition.

劲 appears in common phrases like 使劲 (shǐ jìn, to put in effort) and 劲头 (jìn tóu, enthusiasm or drive). It is also used informally in expressions like 有劲 (yǒu jìn) to mean something is exciting or powerful, and in sports contexts to describe strong, energetic performance.

Common words containing 劲 include: 使劲 (shǐ jìn) — to exert oneself; to put in effort; 劲头 (jìn tóu) — Enthusiasm; energy; vigor; 刚劲 (gāng jìng) — Bold, vigorous, or sturdy.