精练

• Pinyin: jīng liàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 精 = 米 (rice) + 青 (blue/green), refined; 练 = 纟 (silk) + 柬, to practice/refine

Meaning

Concise and polished; succinct; well-refined in expression.

Describes language, writing, or expression that is both brief and polished — not a single wasted word, yet elegant and effective. Also used as a verb meaning to refine or purify (as in refining metals). In language contexts, it's high praise for writing style.

Examples

1. 他的发言简短精练，句句切中要害。 His speech was brief and polished, every sentence hitting the mark.
2. 好的新闻标题要精练有力，一目了然。 Good news headlines should be concise and powerful, clear at a glance.
3. 鲁迅的文字精练而深刻，耐人寻味。 Lu Xun's writing is concise yet profound, leaving much to ponder.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, speaking, academic

Tone: commendatory

Do Say

• 你的总结写得很精练，我很满意。(Your summary is very concise — I'm satisfied.)
• 精练的表达比冗长的解释更有说服力。(Concise expression is more persuasive than lengthy explanations.)

Don't Say

• 他的动作很精练。(For physical actions, use 熟练 or 利索 instead)

Origin & History

Combines 精 (refined) with 练 (to practice, to refine). Originally referred to refining metals; now commonly describes refined language.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal