精神 (jīngshén)

精神 is a versatile word meaning spirit, mind, or essence. It can refer to a person's mental state and energy, the guiding principle of a document or idea, or (as an adjective) someone who appears lively and vigorous.

Meanings

[noun] spirit; mind; mental state; energy
[noun] essence; guiding principle (of a policy, text, or movement)
[adjective] energetic; lively; sharp-looking (colloquial)

Example Sentences

经过一夜的好眠，他今天精神焕发，干劲十足。 Jīngguò yī yè de hǎo mián, tā jīntiān jīngshén huànfā, gànjìn shízú. After a good night's sleep, he was full of energy and enthusiasm today.

长征精神激励着一代又一代的中国年轻人不畏困难、奋勇前行。 Chánzhēng jīngshén jīlìzhe yī dài yòu yī dài de Zhōngguó niánqīng rén bù wèi kùnnán, fènyǒng qiánxíng. The spirit of the Long March has inspired generation after generation of young Chinese people to face difficulties bravely and press forward.

过度使用手机会对青少年的精神健康产生负面影响。 Guòdù shǐyòng shǒujī huì duì qīngshǎonián de jīngshén jiànkāng chǎnshēng fùmiàn yǐngxiǎng. Excessive use of mobile phones can have a negative impact on adolescents' mental health.

我们要深刻领会这份政策文件的精神，切实落实各项措施。 Wǒmen yào shēnkè lǐnghuì zhè fèn zhèngcè wénjiàn de jīngshén, qièshí luòshí gè xiàng cuòshī. We must thoroughly grasp the spirit of this policy document and genuinely implement each of its measures.

那个孩子穿着整洁，看起来很精神，让人喜欢。 Nà gè háizi chuānzhuó zhěngjié, kànqǐlái hěn jīngshén, ràng rén xǐhuān. The child was neatly dressed and looked very lively and smart, which made people like him.

艺术家通过作品传达了一种自由创造的精神，引发了广泛共鸣。 Yìshùjiā tōngguò zuòpǐn chuándále yī zhǒng zìyóu chuàngzào de jīngshén, yǐnfāle guǎngfàn gòngmíng. The artist conveyed a spirit of free creation through their work, evoking a wide resonance.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
精神健康	mental health
精神文明	spiritual civilisation; cultural and moral development
精神压力	mental pressure; psychological stress
精神焕发	full of energy; radiant with vigour
工匠精神	craftsmanship spirit; artisan spirit
领会精神	to grasp the spirit/essence (of a document)

Usage Notes

精神 has a wide semantic range. In everyday speech it most often refers to a person's energy and mental state (精神好 -- in good spirits; 精神不好 -- tired, low energy). In formal and political writing it means the guiding principle or essence, as in 会议精神 (the spirit of the meeting) or 法律精神 (the spirit of the law).

Note the adjective use: 他看起来很精神 means he looks sharp/lively, not that he looks "spiritual." This colloquial sense is common but distinct from the noun senses.

Memory Hook

精 (refined essence) + 神 (spirit/god) -- the refined essence of a person's inner spirit, the invisible force that animates everything they do.