tightly stretched; financially tight
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesadjective
tightly stretched; taut
informalOften used to describe clothes that fit too snugly, skin, or a tense atmosphere. Can be followed by 的. The "绷绷" part is a reduplicated suffix adding vividness.
Zhè这
jiàn件
chèn衬
shān衫
tài太
xiǎo小
le了
，
chuān穿
shàng上
gǎn感
jué觉
jǐn紧
bēng绷
bēng绷
de的
，
hěn很
bù不
shū舒
fu服
。
This shirt is too small; it feels tight and uncomfortable when worn.
Gǔ鼓
pí皮
bēng绷
de得
jǐn紧
bēng绷
bēng绷
de的
，
yī一
qiāo敲
shēng声
yīn音
hěn很
xiǎng响
。
The drumhead is stretched very tight, so it sounds loud when struck.
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Tā他
liǎn脸
shàng上
de的
jī肌
ròu肉
jǐn紧
bēng绷
bēng绷
de的
，
xiǎn显
de得
hěn很
jǐn紧
zhāng张
。
The muscles on his face were tight, making him look very nervous.
adjective
financially tight; strapped for cash; stretched
informalUsed to describe a situation where money is scarce, making life difficult or stressful. Often used with 日子 (life/days).
Hái孩
zi子
shàng上
xué学
，
lǎo老
rén人
kàn看
bìng病
，
zuì最
jìn近
jiā家
lǐ里
de的
rì日
zi子
guò过
de得
jǐn紧
bēng绷
bēng绷
de的
。
With the kids in school and the elderly needing medical care, life at home has been financially tight lately.
Zhè这
ge个
yuè月
gōng工
zī资
hái还
méi没
fā发
，
shǒu手
tóu头
jǐn紧
bēng绷
bēng绷
de的
，
shén什
me么
dōu都
bù不
gǎn敢
mǎi买
。
I haven't been paid yet this month, so I'm strapped for cash and don't dare buy anything.