How to Write 兢 (jīng) — Meaning “cautious / fearful”

Imagine two friends named 克 standing side by side, nervously watching each other. Their doubling represents extra caution, as in the phrase 战战兢兢 (trembling with fear). This visual helps link the two identical halves to the meaning of cautiousness.

Write the left 克 first, then the right 克, keeping them the same size and spacing. Each 克 has 7 strokes: horizontal, vertical, horizontal (top cross), then 口 (box), then 儿 (legs). A common mistake is making one side larger or squishing them together.

兢兢业业 (jīng jīng yè yè) describes someone who is cautious and conscientious in their work, often used in praise. 战战兢兢 (zhàn zhàn jīng jīng) means trembling with fear, used when someone is extremely nervous or scared, like before a difficult test.

兢 is rarely used alone in daily conversation; it appears mainly in fixed idioms like 兢兢业业 and 战战兢兢. These phrases are more common in formal writing, speeches, or literature, reflecting traditional Chinese values of caution and diligence.

Common words containing 兢 include: 兢兢业业 (jīng jīng yè yè) — cautious and conscientious / dedicated; 战战兢兢 (zhàn zhàn jīng jīng) — Trembling with fear; with fear and trepidation.; 兢惧 (jīng jù) — fearful / apprehensive.