Understanding "紧张" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 紧张
• Pinyin: jǐn zhāng
• Literal Meaning: "Tight" (紧) + "Stretched" (张)
• Primary Meaning: Nervous, tense, or strained (emotionally or physically); can also describe scarcity (e.g., resources).

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"紧张" is a versatile word used to describe:
1. Emotional State: Feeling nervous or anxious (e.g., before an exam).
2. Physical State: Muscles or situations that are tense or strained.
3. Scarcity: Short supply of resources (e.g., "水资源紧张" – water shortage).

Nuances:
- Unlike "nervous" in English, "紧张" can apply to both people and situations (e.g., "紧张的气氛" – tense atmosphere).
- In medical contexts, it may describe muscle tension (e.g., "肩膀紧张" – tight shoulders).

Character Breakdown

• 紧 (jǐn): Tight, urgent.
• 张 (zhāng): Stretch, expand. Together, they evoke a sense of being "stretched tight."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 考试前他很紧张。
   Pinyin: Kǎoshì qián tā hěn jǐnzhāng.
   English: He was very nervous before the exam.

2. Chinese: 这部电影的情节非常紧张。
   Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng de qíngjié fēicháng jǐnzhāng.
   English: The plot of this movie is very tense.

3. Chinese: 疫情期间，口罩供应很紧张。
   Pinyin: Yìqíng qījiān, kǒuzhào gōngyìng hěn jǐnzhāng.
   English: During the pandemic, mask supplies were very scarce.

Cultural Notes

• In Chinese workplaces or schools, admitting you feel "紧张" is common and socially acceptable, unlike in some Western cultures where "nervousness" might be seen as a weakness.
• The word is often used in sports commentary (e.g., "比赛紧张" – the game is intense).

Conclusion

"紧张" (jǐn zhāng) is a high-frequency word describing nervousness, tension, or scarcity. Remember: it applies to both emotions and situations. Practice with the examples to master its usage!