结晶

• Pinyin: jié jīng
• Hanzi breakdown: 结 = 纟(silk) + 吉 — to form; 晶 = three 日 (sun) — crystal, sparkling

Meaning

Crystal; crystallization. The solid form created when molecules arrange in a regular pattern.

Used both literally in scientific contexts and figuratively to describe the culmination or best result of effort. For example, a work of art can be called the 结晶 of an artist's lifelong dedication. Common in chemistry, geology, and literary contexts.

Examples

1. 盐是海水蒸发后留下的结晶。 Salt is the crystallization left after seawater evaporates.
2. 这部小说是作家十年心血的结晶。 This novel is the crystallization of the author's ten years of hard work.
3. 科学家在实验室中培育出了纯度极高的蛋白质结晶。 Scientists cultivated extremely pure protein crystals in the laboratory.

Usage Guide

Context: science, literature, achievement

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 这是智慧的结晶。(This is the crystallization of wisdom.)
• 盐从溶液中结晶出来。(Salt crystallized out of the solution.)

Don't Say

• 混淆'结晶'和'水晶' (Don't confuse 结晶 with 水晶 — 结晶 is the crystallization process or result, 水晶 is quartz crystal)

Origin & History

Composed of 结 (to form; to congeal) + 晶 (crystal; sparkling). Describes both the process and product of crystallization.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal