This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 verb #7,000 most common 7 min read

凝聚

ningju Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 凝聚 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 凝聚 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '凝聚' (níngjù) yet, but you can understand it as 'coming together like a team.' Think of your friends coming together to play a game. In Chinese, we have simple words like '一起' (yìqǐ - together) or '见' (jiàn - meet). '凝聚' is a much bigger, fancier word for when people don't just meet, but they become like one big family. Imagine drops of water joining to make a big puddle. That is '凝聚.' For now, just remember that it's a very positive word about unity and strength. If you hear it, someone is probably talking about a strong team or a hard-working person.

At the A2 level, you might start seeing '凝聚' in simple stories or posters about teamwork. It is a verb. It means 'to gather' or 'to unite.' While you usually use '聚集' (jùjí) to say people are gathering in a park, '凝聚' is used for things you can't touch, like 'power' or 'love.' For example, if a teacher says '凝聚力量' (níngjù lìliàng), they mean 'let's put our strength together.' It's a step up from '一起努力' (yìqǐ nǔlì). You can also think of it like making a snowball—you take separate bits of snow and press them until they become one strong ball. That pressing and uniting is '凝聚.'

At the B1 level, you should begin to recognize the difference between physical gathering and the abstract 'unifying' of 凝聚. You will often see it in the form '凝聚力' (níngjùlì), which means 'cohesion.' For example, '这个班级很有凝聚力' (This class has great cohesion). This means the students support each other and work as one. You will also see it used with '心血' (xīnxuè - heart and blood/effort). If you spend months building a model airplane, that airplane '凝聚' your hard work. It's a great word to use in your writing to show that a group is very united or that a project was a labor of love.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 凝聚 (níngjù) accurately in formal writing and discussions. You should understand its dual nature: the physical sense (condensation) and the abstract sense (unification). In business contexts, you'll use it to discuss '凝聚共识' (building consensus) or '凝聚资源' (consolidating resources). It implies a process of transformation where scattered, perhaps even conflicting, elements are brought into a focused, singular direction. You should be able to distinguish it from '聚集' (simple gathering) and '积累' (accumulation). When you use 凝聚, you are emphasizing the 'glue' that binds a system together. It is a key word for discussing social harmony, corporate culture, and artistic creation.

At the C1 level, your use of 凝聚 (níngjù) should reflect its nuanced, often poetic qualities. You can use it to describe the 'essence' of a culture or the 'crystallization' of a historical period. For instance, '这部文学作品凝聚了那个时代的悲剧' (This literary work condenses the tragedies of that era). Here, 凝聚 suggests that the work is a concentrated representative of a larger, more diffuse reality. You should also be comfortable using it in complex grammatical structures, such as using it as a modifier or in resultative phrases. You should recognize its role in political discourse, where it is used to describe the 'centripetal force' of a nation's ideology. It is no longer just about 'gathering'; it is about the ontological merging of parts into a unified essence.

At the C2 level, 凝聚 (níngjù) becomes a tool for philosophical and high-level analytical expression. You might use it to discuss the '凝聚态' (condensed state) in physics or, more likely, in a metaphorical sense to describe the solidification of abstract concepts like 'identity' or 'collective memory.' You can analyze how a single symbol can 凝聚 the aspirations of millions. Your mastery should include an understanding of its classical roots and its evolution into a modern sociopolitical keyword. You can use it to critique the lack of social cohesion ('社会凝聚力的缺失') or to describe the intense focus of a genius's mind. It is a word that describes the very act of creation—taking the chaotic and the disparate and forging them into a singular, meaningful existence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

凝聚 in 30 Seconds

凝聚 means to condense or unify scattered parts into a powerful whole.
It is used for physical condensation (vapor to dew) and abstract unity (team spirit).
Commonly pairs with 'strength' (力量), 'consensus' (共识), and 'effort' (心血).
It implies a deep, essential bond rather than just a physical gathering.

The word 凝聚 (níngjù) is a powerful Chinese verb that functions at the intersection of physical science and social psychology. At its most literal level, it describes the physical process of condensation—where gas turns into liquid or scattered particles come together to form a solid mass. However, in modern Mandarin, its most frequent and evocative use is metaphorical. It describes the act of unifying scattered elements—be they people, ideas, strengths, or spirits—into a single, potent, and cohesive whole. Imagine a magnifying glass focusing scattered sunlight into a single burning point; that act of focusing and intensifying is the essence of 凝聚.

Physical Context: In a scientific or descriptive sense, it refers to vapors or liquids forming droplets. You might see it in a weather report or a chemistry textbook describing how dew forms on a leaf. It implies a transition from a thin, imperceptible state to a tangible, visible one.
Social and Political Context: This is where the word truly shines. Leaders use it to describe 'uniting the hearts of the people' (凝聚人心) or 'solidifying consensus' (凝聚共识). It suggests that without this action, the group is merely a collection of individuals, but through 凝聚, they become an unstoppable force.
Abstract Achievement: When a masterpiece is created, Chinese speakers often say it 'condenses' the hard work of the artist (凝聚了心血). This implies that the final product is not just a thing, but a physical manifestation of years of invisible effort and sweat.

这件作品凝聚了设计师多年的心血。
(This work condenses/embodies the designer's years of painstaking effort.)

You will encounter this word in high-level business meetings, political speeches, and literary critiques. It carries a sense of gravity and intentionality. It is not something that happens by accident; it requires a catalyst—a common goal, a charismatic leader, or a shared crisis. When you use 凝聚, you are talking about the 'glue' that holds a society or an organization together.

通过这次活动，团队的向心力得到了进一步的凝聚。
(Through this activity, the team's centripetal force was further unified/strengthened.)

Using 凝聚 correctly requires understanding its typical objects. It is rarely used for physical objects like 'gathering books' or 'gathering apples.' Instead, it pairs with abstract nouns that represent power, emotion, or collective will.

Pattern 1: 凝聚 + [Abstract Strength/Will]: Common objects include 力量 (strength), 共识 (consensus), 人心 (people's hearts), and 智慧 (wisdom). This is the 'unifying' aspect of the word.
Pattern 2: [Result/Product] + 凝聚了 + [Effort/Emotion]: This describes a finished product that embodies the hard work put into it. Common objects: 心血 (painstaking effort), 汗水 (sweat/hard work), 情感 (emotions).

我们要凝聚全社会的共识，共同应对挑战。
(We must build a consensus across the whole society to jointly face challenges.)

In more formal or poetic contexts, you might see it used for physical phenomena. For example, '水汽凝聚成云' (Water vapor condenses into clouds). Note how the structure here is [Source] + 凝聚成 + [Result]. This '成' (chéng) is vital as it indicates the transformation from one state to another.

寒冷的空气使水蒸气在窗户上凝聚成了小水滴。
(The cold air caused the water vapor to condense into small droplets on the window.)

Furthermore, the noun form 凝聚力 (níngjùlì) is extremely common. It translates to 'cohesion' or 'cohesive force.' It is used to describe how 'tight' a team, family, or nation is. A team with high 凝聚力 works well together and stays loyal during tough times.

一个优秀的领导者能够增强团队的凝聚力。
(An excellent leader can enhance the team's cohesion.)

While 凝聚 might seem like a 'big' word, it appears in several specific real-life scenarios that English speakers should recognize. It is not just for textbooks; it's for anyone talking about unity or the essence of something.

In the Corporate World: During annual meetings or team-building retreats, CEOs often talk about 凝聚力 (cohesion). They want to 凝聚员工的力量 (unify the employees' strength) to hit quarterly targets. It's the standard corporate term for 'bringing everyone onto the same page.'
In News and Politics: Whenever there is a national crisis or a major celebration, news anchors will use 凝聚 to describe the national spirit. You'll hear phrases like 凝聚民族精神 (unifying the national spirit). It emphasizes that a country is more than just its borders; it is the shared will of its people.
In Art and Design Gallaries: Curators use this word to explain the depth of a work. They might say a painting 凝聚了作者对故乡的思念 (embodies/condenses the author's longing for their hometown). It suggests the emotion is so thick you can almost touch it.

奥运会凝聚了全世界对和平的向往。
(The Olympics condense/embody the world's yearning for peace.)

Even in casual praise, if you want to say a gift is very meaningful because it took a lot of work to make, you could say: '这件礼物凝聚了你的心意' (This gift embodies your thoughtful intentions). It elevates the compliment from 'you're nice' to 'I recognize the deep effort you put into this.'

我们需要凝聚各方智慧，才能解决这个难题。
(We need to pool/unify the wisdom of all parties to solve this difficult problem.)

Because 凝聚 has several close synonyms, learners often swap them in ways that sound unnatural to native speakers. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake 1: Using it for physical 'gathering' of people: Incorrect: 广场上凝聚了很多人 (Guǎngchǎng shàng níngjùle hěnduō rén).
Correct: 广场上聚集了很多人 (Guǎngchǎng shàng jùjíle hěnduō rén).
Reason: 凝聚 implies a spiritual or essential union. If people are just standing in a square, use 聚集. If they are united by a common cause, you can say their 力量 (strength) is 凝聚ed.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 积累 (jīlěi - accumulate): Incorrect: 凝聚经验 (níngjù jīngyàn).
Correct: 积累经验 (jīlěi jīngyàn).
Reason: 积累 is for things that grow over time piece by piece (like experience or money). 凝聚 is for things that are pulled together to form a core or a focus.

错误：他凝聚了很多钱。
正确：他积攒/积累了很多钱。
(Error: He 'condensed' a lot of money. Correct: He accumulated a lot of money.)

Another subtle mistake is forgetting that 凝聚 implies a positive or purposeful direction. You wouldn't usually '凝聚' negative things like 'bad luck' or 'hatred' unless you are speaking very poetically about how hatred has solidified into a physical weight. Stick to positive collective nouns to stay safe.

我们要凝聚正能量。
(We need to consolidate/unify positive energy.)

To master 凝聚, you must see how it sits alongside its 'cousins.' Each of these words means 'to bring together,' but the flavor is different.

凝聚 (níngjù) vs. 聚集 (jùjí): 凝聚: Deep, internal, chemical/spiritual union. It creates a new 'whole.' (e.g., 凝聚力量).
聚集: Surface-level, physical gathering. Items are just in the same place. (e.g., 聚集在门口).
凝聚 (níngjù) vs. 团结 (tuánjié): 凝聚: Often used as a verb describing the process of forming unity. Focuses on the essence.
团结: Usually means 'to unite' or 'be united' as a state of being or a behavior. (e.g., 团结一致).
凝聚 (níngjù) vs. 集中 (jízhōng): 凝聚: Implies a natural or organic coming together into a core.
集中: Implies a forceful or administrative 'concentration' from the outside. (e.g., 集中注意力 - concentrate attention).

对比：
1. 观众在剧场聚集。(Physical presence)
2. 观众的热情在剧场凝聚。(Shared emotional atmosphere)

Other alternatives include 汇集 (huìjí), which is often used for streams of water or information coming together into a large collection, and 结晶 (jiéjīng), which means 'crystallization' and is the ultimate noun for something that 凝聚 has produced (e.g., 智慧的结晶 - the crystallization of wisdom).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '凝' contains the radical for ice, showing that the ancient Chinese viewed the process of things coming together as a form of 'freezing' into a solid, stable form.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /niːŋ˧˥ tɕy˥˩/

US /niŋ˧˥ dʒu˥˩/

The emphasis is slightly more on the second syllable 'jù' because of the sharp falling tone.

Rhymes With

明 (míng) 情 (qíng) 听 (tīng) 去 (qù - partial rhyme with jù) 遇 (yù) 句 (jù) 具 (jù) 虑 (lǜ)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'níng' as 'nǐng' (third tone).
Pronouncing 'jù' as 'jū' (first tone).
Mixing up 'jù' with 'qù' (to go).
Failing to nasalize the 'ng' in 'níng'.
Pronouncing 'jù' like 'ju' in English 'jury' without the palatal touch.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Requires understanding of both physical and abstract contexts.

Writing 4/5

The characters are somewhat complex to write by hand.

Speaking 3/5

Tones are standard, but 'jù' requires correct palatalization.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and formal speeches.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

聚 (Gather) 力量 (Strength) 团结 (Unite) 心 (Heart) 水 (Water)

Learn Next

结晶 (Crystallize) 精髓 (Essence) 共识 (Consensus) 向心力 (Centripetal force) 核心 (Core)

Advanced

涣散 (Dissolve/Lax) 瓦解 (Disintegrate) 融合 (Fuse/Merge) 锻造 (Forge)

Grammar to Know

Resultative Complement '成' (chéng)

水汽凝聚成云。(Water vapor condensed into clouds.)

The particle '着' (zhe) for continuous state

这枚戒指凝聚着一段美丽的爱情。(This ring embodies a beautiful love.)

Attribute construction with '的' (de)

具有凝聚力的团队。(A team with cohesion.)

Verb-Object structure

凝聚人心是领导的首要任务。(Unifying people's hearts is the leader's primary task.)

Adverbial modification

我们要紧紧地凝聚在一起。(We must unify tightly together.)

Examples by Level

大家凝聚在一起。

Everyone unifies together.

Simple subject + verb + prepositional phrase.

我们要凝聚力量。

We need to unify our strength.

Using '要' (want/need) + verb + object.

老师凝聚了大家。

The teacher brought everyone together.

Subject + verb + '了' (completed action) + object.

团队凝聚了心。

The team unified their hearts.

Abstract object '心' used with the verb.

这凝聚了爱。

This condenses/embodies love.

Simple demonstrative pronoun as subject.

大家心往一处凝聚。

Everyone's hearts unify toward one place.

Directional phrase '往一处' modifying the verb.

凝聚就是力量。

Unification is strength.

Using the verb as a gerund/noun subject.

小水滴凝聚了。

Small water drops condensed.

Physical use of the word with a simple subject.

我们需要凝聚全班的智慧。

We need to pool the wisdom of the whole class.

Modal verb '需要' + 凝聚 + possessive object.

这本书凝聚了作者的心血。

This book embodies the author's hard work.

Common collocation: 凝聚 + 心血.

这种精神凝聚了我们。

This spirit unified us.

Abstract subject '精神' (spirit).

空气中的水蒸气凝聚成露水。

Water vapor in the air condenses into dew.

Verb + '成' (become) indicating transformation.

我们要凝聚共识，一起出发。

We need to build consensus and set off together.

凝聚 + 共识 (consensus) is a standard phrase.

他的画里凝聚了对家乡的情感。

His paintings embody emotions for his hometown.

Place phrase + verb + object.

一个好的领导能凝聚人心。

A good leader can unite people's hearts.

凝聚 + 人心 (people's hearts) is very common.

这场比赛凝聚了选手的汗水。

This match embodies the players' sweat.

Metaphorical use of 'sweat' (汗水) to mean hard work.

团队的凝聚力是成功的关键。

Team cohesion is the key to success.

Using the noun form '凝聚力' (cohesion).

这个项目凝聚了多个部门的努力。

This project pooled the efforts of multiple departments.

Plural object '多个部门的努力'.

志愿者们凝聚在一起，帮助受灾群众。

Volunteers united to help the disaster victims.

Reflexive/collective use with '在一起'.

他的每一句话都凝聚着深刻的思考。

Every word of his embodies deep thought.

Using '着' to indicate a continuous state of embodying.

我们要凝聚正能量，共创美好未来。

We must consolidate positive energy and create a better future together.

Modern buzzword '正能量' (positive energy).

这枚勋章凝聚了他的荣誉和牺牲。

This medal embodies his honor and sacrifice.

Dual objects: 荣誉 and 牺牲.

水蒸气在冷窗户上凝聚成冰花。

Water vapor condenses into frost patterns on the cold window.

Scientific description with resultative '成'.

优秀的文化能凝聚一个民族。

Excellent culture can unify a nation.

Broad abstract subject '文化'.

政府致力于凝聚各方力量，推动经济复苏。

The government is committed to unifying all forces to promote economic recovery.

Formal verb '致力于' (be committed to) + 凝聚.

这部法律凝聚了法学专家的集体智慧。

This law embodies the collective wisdom of legal experts.

凝聚 + 集体智慧 (collective wisdom).

危机时刻，最重要的是凝聚人心，稳定情绪。

In times of crisis, the most important thing is to unite hearts and stabilize emotions.

Using 凝聚 as part of an infinitive phrase (to unite).

这种新型材料凝聚了尖端的科研成果。

This new material embodies cutting-edge scientific research results.

凝聚 + 科研成果 (research results).

我们要进一步凝聚共识，明确发展方向。

We need to further build consensus and clarify the direction of development.

Adverb '进一步' (further) modifying the verb.

这首诗凝聚了诗人对生命的感悟。

This poem embodies the poet's insights into life.

Abstract object '对生命的感悟'.

企业文化是凝聚员工的核心力量。

Corporate culture is the core force that unifies employees.

凝聚 acting as an attributive modifying '核心力量'.

他的成功凝聚了无数个日夜的奋斗。

His success embodies the struggle of countless days and nights.

凝聚 + time-based effort.

历史的记忆凝聚在这些古老的建筑中。

Historical memories are condensed within these ancient buildings.

Passive-like structure with '凝聚在...中'.

该政策旨在凝聚社会各界的公益力量。

The policy aims to consolidate the philanthropic forces of all sectors of society.

Formal '旨在' (aims to) + 凝聚.

这件艺术品凝聚了东方美学的精髓。

This artwork embodies the essence of Eastern aesthetics.

凝聚 + 精髓 (essence/pith).

在这一刻，全民族的目光都凝聚在一起。

At this moment, the eyes of the entire nation are focused together.

Metaphorical use of '目光' (eyesight/attention).

这种精神财富凝聚了先辈们的奋斗历程。

This spiritual wealth embodies the struggle of our ancestors.

凝聚 + 历程 (course/journey).

我们需要在多元化中凝聚统一的价值观。

We need to unify common values within diversity.

Prepositional phrase '在多元化中' setting the context.

他的理论凝聚了前人的研究精华。

His theory condenses the essence of his predecessors' research.

凝聚 + 研究精华 (research essence).

城市的发展凝聚了每一位建设者的汗水。

The development of the city embodies the sweat of every builder.

Broad social subject '城市的发展'.

这种文化认同感凝聚了海外华人的心。

This sense of cultural identity unites the hearts of overseas Chinese.

Complex subject '文化认同感' (cultural identity).

该项发明凝聚了跨学科的顶尖智慧成果。

This invention embodies the top-tier wisdom of cross-disciplinary research.

Formal register with '跨学科' and '顶尖'.

在宏大的叙事中，作者凝聚了对人性的深刻剖析。

Within the grand narrative, the author condenses a profound analysis of human nature.

凝聚 + 深刻剖析 (profound analysis).

民族精神的凝聚是国家长治久安的基石。

The unification of national spirit is the cornerstone of long-term national stability.

Noun phrase '民族精神的凝聚' as the subject.

每一次实验都凝聚着科学家对真理的执着追求。

Every experiment embodies the scientist's persistent pursuit of truth.

凝聚 + 执着追求 (persistent pursuit).

这些数据凝聚了长达十年的观测记录。

These data condense ten years of observation records.

凝聚 + 观测记录 (observation records).

在极端环境下，生命会凝聚出惊人的爆发力。

In extreme environments, life will manifest (condense out) an amazing explosive power.

凝聚出 (condense out/produce) resultative.

这篇社论凝聚了对当前国际形势的独到见解。

This editorial embodies unique insights into the current international situation.

凝聚 + 独到见解 (unique insights).

Synonyms

聚集团结集合结晶

Antonyms

分散瓦解分裂

Common Collocations

凝聚力量

凝聚人心

凝聚共识

凝聚心血

凝聚智慧

凝聚成

向心凝聚

凝聚情感

凝聚核

凝聚效应

Common Phrases

凝聚力

— Cohesion or cohesive force. Used to describe how united a group is.

团队的凝聚力非常强。

凝聚力工程

— A social project aimed at improving community cohesion.

政府正在实施凝聚力工程。

凝聚态物理

— Condensed matter physics.

他在大学学习凝聚态物理。

凝聚焦点

— To focus attention on a specific point.

她的演讲凝聚了全场的焦点。

凝聚正能量

— To consolidate positive energy.

让我们一起凝聚正能量。

凝聚共识点

— Points of consensus.

我们要寻找双方的凝聚共识点。

凝聚民族魂

— To unify the spirit of the nation.

文化遗产凝聚了民族魂。

凝聚资源

— To consolidate resources.

我们要凝聚优势资源。

凝聚目光

— To attract all eyes.

她的美丽凝聚了所有人的目光。

凝聚汗水

— Embodying hard work/sweat.

这枚金牌凝聚了运动员的汗水。

Often Confused With

凝聚 vs 聚集

聚集 is physical gathering; 凝聚 is spiritual/essential unification.

凝聚 vs 积累

积累 is adding up over time; 凝聚 is concentrating into a core.

凝聚 vs 凝结

凝结 is more often used for physical freezing or blood clotting; 凝聚 is more abstract.

Idioms & Expressions

"众志成城"

— Unity of will is an impregnable stronghold. While not containing '凝聚', it is the ultimate idiom for the result of 凝聚.

只要我们众志成城，就能战胜困难。

Formal/Literary

"聚沙成塔"

— Gathering sand to make a pagoda. Describes small parts 凝聚ing into something great.

我们要学会聚沙成塔，积累财富。

Common

"万众一心"

— Millions of people with one heart. Describes a state of perfect 凝聚.

全国人民万众一心，抗击灾情。

Formal

"精诚团结"

— To unite with absolute sincerity.

领导班子精诚团结。

Formal

"心往一处想，劲往一处使"

— Thinking and working toward the same goal. A colloquial way to describe 凝聚.

大家心往一处想，劲往一处使，没有办不成的事。

Informal/Colloquial

"集思广益"

— To pool wisdom and benefit from all. This is the process of 凝聚智慧.

我们通过集思广益，找到了解决办法。

Formal

"凝神定气"

— To concentrate one's spirit and calm one's breath. Uses '凝' for internal focus.

他凝神定气，准备射箭。

Literary

"群策群力"

— Collective planning and collective efforts.

这个项目是大家群策群力的结果。

Formal

"握手言和"

— To shake hands and make up. A precursor to 凝聚共识.

双方终于握手言和了。

Common

"同舟共济"

— To cross a river in the same boat. Describes unity in adversity.

在困难面前，我们要同舟共济。

Formal

Easily Confused

凝聚 vs 聚集

Both involve things coming together.

聚集 is about location (being in the same place). 凝聚 is about essence (becoming one entity). You 聚集 in a park, but you 凝聚 strength.

广场上聚集了很多人，但他们并没有凝聚成一股力量。

凝聚 vs 积累

Both describe things increasing or coming together.

积累 is a quantitative increase (more and more). 凝聚 is a qualitative transformation (becoming more concentrated/powerful).

他积累了知识，并将其凝聚成了一本好书。

凝聚 vs 团结

Both mean 'unite.'

团结 is often a verb or adjective describing the act of getting along and cooperating. 凝聚 is the deeper process of forming that unity.

因为大家很团结，所以团队很有凝聚力。

凝聚 vs 集中

Both involve moving toward a center.

集中 is often deliberate and external (e.g., focusing attention). 凝聚 is often organic or the result of shared essence.

我们要集中精力，凝聚共识。

凝聚 vs 集合

Both involve gathering.

集合 is almost always physical and often military (e.g., 'assemble!'). 凝聚 is almost never used as a command to stand in a line.

部队在操场集合，凝聚起战斗的意志。

Sentence Patterns

A 凝聚了 B 的心血

这个作业凝聚了我的心血。

我们要凝聚力量去 [Do Something]

我们要凝聚力量去帮助别人。

[Organization] 具有很强的凝聚力

这个公司具有很强的凝聚力。

凝聚 [Abstract Concept] 的共识

凝聚改革发展的共识。

[Subject] 凝聚成 [Result]

无数的小溪凝聚成大河。

凝聚着 [Emotion/Idea]

字里行间凝聚着作者的忧伤。

在 [Context] 中凝聚起...

在危机中凝聚起民族的脊梁。

凝聚...的精髓/精华

这部典籍凝聚了古代文化的精华。

Word Family

Nouns

凝聚力 (Cohesion)

凝聚态 (Condensed state)

凝结核 (Condensation nucleus)

Verbs

凝结 (To condense/freeze)

凝视 (To gaze/stare)

聚集 (To gather)

聚拢 (To gather up)

Adjectives

凝聚的 (Condensed/Unified)

团结 (Unite)

结晶 (Crystallize)

核心 (Core)

精华 (Essence)

向心力 (Centripetal force)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written Chinese and formal spoken Chinese; rare in daily 'street' slang.

Common Mistakes

广场上凝聚了很多人。 → 广场上聚集了很多人。
凝聚 implies a spiritual or essential union. People standing in a square are just 'gathering' physically, so '聚集' is correct.
他在凝聚经验。 → 他在积累经验。
Experience is something you accumulate piece by piece over time, which is '积累'. '凝聚' is for bringing things into a single core.
我们要凝聚我们的房间。 → 我们要收拾我们的房间。
You cannot 'unify' or 'condense' a room in the sense of cleaning it. '凝聚' is for abstract forces or physical vapors.
水蒸气凝聚了在窗户。 → 水蒸气在窗户上凝聚了。
The word order is wrong. In Chinese, the location (on the window) usually comes before the verb or as a resultative phrase.
凝聚团结大家。 → 凝聚并团结大家。
凝聚 and 团结 are both verbs. You should use a conjunction or use them in a way that shows their relationship.

Tips

Pair with 'Heart'

The most common abstract usage is '凝聚人心'. Use this to describe any situation where people are becoming more loyal or united.

Use '了' for Achievements

When saying a result embodies effort, always use '了' (凝聚了). E.g., '这凝聚了我们的汗水'.

Essay Power Word

In HSK 5/6 essays, replace simple words like '团结' or '在一起' with '凝聚' to significantly boost your vocabulary score.

Understand the 'Ice' Radical

Remember that '凝' has the ice radical. This helps you remember its physical meaning of 'solidifying' or 'thickening'.

Tone Accuracy

Ensure the second tone in 'níng' is clear and rising. If it sounds like the first tone, it might be confused with other words.

Learn the Noun

Always learn '凝聚力' alongside '凝聚'. It's one of the most useful words for describing social dynamics.

Context Clues

If you hear it in a speech, look for the object. It will tell you what is being unified (strength, people, or ideas).

The Snowball Effect

Think of 凝聚 as making a snowball. You gather loose flakes and press them into a dense, unified ball.

凝聚 vs 聚集

If the parts are still separate after coming together, use 聚集. If they become one, use 凝聚.

Business Context

Use '凝聚共识' in negotiations to suggest that both sides are finding common ground.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ning' as 'Near' and 'Ju' as 'Join'. When things are Near and Join together, they 凝聚 (Ningju). Also, 'Ning' sounds like 'needing'—you are 'needing' to 'join' everyone together.

Visual Association

Imagine a magnet (the leader) pulling scattered iron filings (the people) into a single, dense cluster. That cluster is the result of 凝聚.

Word Web

凝聚力量人心共识智慧心血水滴向心力

Challenge

Try to use 凝聚 in a sentence describing your favorite hobby. For example: 'This painting 凝聚 my love for nature.'

Word Origin

凝聚 is a compound of two characters. '凝' (níng) originally referred to water freezing or congealing into ice, hence the 'ice' radical (冫) on the left. '聚' (jù) means to gather or assemble, with the bottom part representing a group of people.

Original meaning: To freeze and gather; specifically, the transition of something liquid or gaseous into a solid or more dense state.

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic).

Cultural Context

It is a very positive word. Avoid using it for 'unifying' negative forces unless you are writing a villain's speech in a novel.

In English, we might use 'coalesce,' 'unify,' or 'embody.' 凝聚 is more common in Chinese than 'coalesce' is in English.

National speeches regarding the 'Chinese Dream' (中国梦) often use 凝聚民族精神. Scientific documentaries about the formation of the universe. Corporate slogans for major Chinese tech companies like Huawei or Alibaba.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Team Building

增强凝聚力
凝聚团队精神
凝聚每一个人的力量
为了共同的目标而凝聚

Artistic Creation

凝聚了艺术家的灵魂
凝聚了多年的心血
作品中凝聚的情感
凝聚美学的精髓

Scientific Description

水蒸气凝聚
凝聚成液态
凝聚核的作用
凝聚态物理研究

Political Discourse

凝聚民族共识
凝聚人心
凝聚全社会的正能量
加强国家的凝聚力

Personal Praise

凝聚了你的心意
凝聚了大家的好意
这份礼物凝聚了深情
你的付出凝聚在结果中

Conversation Starters

"你认为一个团队要如何才能产生强大的凝聚力？"

"这件艺术作品凝聚了你多少时间的心血？"

"在你的文化中，什么东西最能凝聚人心？"

"你觉得互联网是凝聚了人们，还是让人们更分散了？"

"面对困难时，我们该如何凝聚起大家的共识？"

Journal Prompts

写一段话，描述你最引以为傲的一个项目，并说明它凝聚了你哪些努力。

讨论一下你所在的班级或公司的凝聚力如何，有什么改进的建议？

描述一次你看到人们凝聚在一起克服困难的经历。

如果你是一位领导者，你会采取什么措施来凝聚团队的智慧？

反思一下，你的个人价值观是如何在多年的经历中凝聚而成的。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but usually metaphorically. You don't say 'The people condensed in the room.' You say 'The leader unified (凝聚ed) the people's hearts.' If you just mean a crowd, use 聚集.

It is the noun form, meaning 'cohesion.' It is extremely common in business and sports to describe how well a team sticks together.

It is overwhelmingly positive. It implies strength, focus, and hard work. Using it for negative things like 'unifying for evil' is rare and sounds literary.

You can use 凝聚 or 凝结. For example, '水蒸气凝聚成水滴' (Water vapor condenses into water drops).

Generally, no. Use 积累 (accumulate) or 攒 (save up). You only use 凝聚 if you are saying the money 'embodies' someone's hard work, e.g., '这笔钱凝聚了他一辈子的心血'.

They are very close. 凝结 is often more physical (liquids becoming solids, like blood or ice). 凝聚 is more abstract (hearts, strength, consensus).

It's a bit formal. You'd hear it in a workplace meeting or a news report rather than while buying vegetables at the market.

Yes! It's a very common way to say 'pooling wisdom' or 'collective intelligence.'

In science, it's a 'condensation nucleus'—the tiny particle that a raindrop forms around.

凝 (níng) has the ice radical on the left. 聚 (jù) has 'ear' (耳) on the top left and 'group' related components. It's a complex but beautiful pair of characters.