(jìn) — to enter, to go in

Definition

进 is the basic verb 'to enter / go in', used as a main verb or paired with motion complements like 进去 ('go in') or 进来 ('come in'). It stays in place as the head verb, while 入 and 进入 sound more formal or written.

verb
to enterto go in

Examples

  • Qǐng jìn.
    Please come in.
  • Tā jìn le shāng diàn.
    He entered the store.
  • Wǒ men jìn qù ba.
    Let's go in.

Origin

Compound ideograph
六书liùshū
会意huìyì

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 進; 进 is its simplified writing.

  • chuòwalk
  • zhuīshort-tail bird

The traditional form 進 pairs 辵 (walk) with 隹 (short-tail bird): the picture showed moving forward because a bird can only walk forward, not backward. The simplified 进 is a later shorthand.

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