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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "tightly" or "firmly" with 紧紧 (jǐnjǐn)

    Degree & Intensity
    Manner & Method

    Structure

    紧紧 + Verb

    Explanation

    The adverb 紧紧 (jǐnjǐn) means "tightly" or "firmly," emphasizing the intensity or closeness of an action. It is formed by reduplicating the character 紧 for emphasis. For example, 紧紧拥抱 means "to embrace tightly."

    Examples

    • 她紧紧握住妈妈的手不肯松开。

      Tā jǐnjǐn wò zhù māma de shǒu bù kěn sōngkāi.

      She held her mother's hand tightly and wouldn't let go.

    • 他紧紧抱住失而复得的小狗。

      Tā jǐnjǐn bào zhù shī ér fù dé de xiǎo gǒu.

      He tightly hugged the dog that had been lost and found again.

    • 窗户要紧紧关好，外面风很大。

      Chuānghu yào jǐnjǐn guān hǎo, wàimiàn fēng hěn dà.

      The windows must be shut tightly; it's very windy outside.

    Expressing "tightly" or "firmly" with 紧紧 (jǐnjǐn) | Chinese Grammar