精神 jīngshén spirit
spirit; mind; consciousness; thought; mental
How to remember 精神: 精 essence + 神 god = spirit.
Characters
How it is used
- Two readings: jīngshen = vigor/being spirited (他很有精神 he's full of energy / looks sharp); jīngshén = spirit/mind (精神生活 spiritual life, 团队精神 team spirit).
- The neutral-tone jīngshen is about physical/mental liveliness and looking well; the full-tone jīngshén is the abstract 'spirit/mentality'.
- Contrast 精力 (jīnglì, energy reserves for tasks) - 精神 leans toward alertness, morale, and the non-material mind.
Example sentences
- 他精神很好。 Tā jīngshén hěn hǎo.He was in good spirits.
- 我精神上支持你。 Wǒ jīngshén shang zhīchí nǐ.I'll give you mental support.
- 汤姆看上去很精神。 Tāngmǔ kànshàngqù hěn jīngshén.Tom looked well.