京 is a Chinese character with HSK 4 on the new exam.
Etymology
Oracle-bone origin
In oracle bone and bronze script 京 depicts a tall building raised on a mound or pillars, with a pointed roof, a main structure, and supporting posts or a platform beneath. It shows the silhouette of a ceremonial or watchtower-type edifice built on high ground. The pictograph conveys elevation and monumentality rather than an ordinary dwelling.
Form evolution
The oracle bone form clearly shows roof, body, and supporting legs. Bronze inscriptions stylise the roof into a triangular cap and regularise the legs. Seal script makes the three-part structure symmetrical, and clerical reform flattened the legs into the 小 component we see today beneath a 亠 and 口.
How the meaning evolved
The original sense was 'artificial mound' or 'tall structure on a raised site', which extended to 'capital city' because capitals were traditionally built on elevated, fortified ground. By the Zhou period 京 already meant 'capital', and this became its dominant modern meaning, as in 北京 (Beijing, 'northern capital') and 东京 (Tokyo, 'eastern capital'). An older numerical sense, 京 = ten million, survives only in classical texts.
Cultural note
The capital-name convention built on 京 is pan-East-Asian: 北京, 南京, 东京, and historically 西京 all follow the same directional pattern. The calligraphic form of 京 is a staple of seal carving because its vertical symmetry suits square seal layouts.
Basic info
Example sentences
Words containing 京
On the new HSK 4 exam
Studying for HSK 4? Keep 京 with the rest of your level.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.