经

• Pinyin: jīng
• Hanzi breakdown: 经 = 纟(silk) + 巠 — originally warp thread; to pass through, scripture

Meaning

To pass through; to undergo; via. Indicates passage through a place or experience.

As a verb, means to pass through or experience. Often used in formal or written contexts. Combines with other characters to form many common words like 经过 (to pass by), 经历 (to experience), 经由 (via). Also means 'scripture' or 'classic' in other contexts.

Examples

1. 这趟列车经西安、郑州到达北京。 This train passes through Xi'an and Zhengzhou to reach Beijing.
2. 这件事经多方协调终于解决了。 This matter was finally resolved through multi-party coordination.
3. 这本书经他推荐我才知道。 I only learned about this book because he recommended it to me.

Usage Guide

Context: routes, processes, formal writing

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 经此一事。(After going through this matter.)
• 经北京转机。(Transfer via Beijing.)

Don't Say

• 经我的房间 for simple passing (Don't use 经 alone for casual passing — use 经过 or 路过; 经 alone is more literary)

Origin & History

Originally depicted a warp thread in weaving, representing something running through lengthwise. Extended to mean passing through or a constant/classic text.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Formal contexts