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March 24, 2026
俭(儉)jiǎn(jian3)
The character 俭 (jiǎn) signifies frugality or thriftiness, often associated with the careful management of resources. It is commonly used in contexts discussing financial prudence, minimalist lifestyles, or the virtue of moderation in consumption. The nuance of this word can also imply a positive moral quality, reflecting self-restraint and simplicity.
Strokes9Radical亻Frequency#56393DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, frugality is often seen as a virtue, reflecting Confucian values of moderation and respect for resources. This is evident in traditional sayings that advocate for saving and careful consumption.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise old man (the radical 人, meaning 'person') counting coins carefully while sitting on a small wooden chair (the radical 椅). He embodies the essence of 俭 (jiǎn), as he knows the value of saving and being frugal, ensuring he has enough for the future.
Meanings of 俭
jiǎn(jian3)
1frugal
2thrifty
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 俭
俭Simplified
儉Traditional
9Strokes
亻Radical
形容词性语素xíngróngcíadjective root (adj.root)Part of Speech
#56393Frequency Rank
Podcast: 俭
Podcast: 俭
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AI Study Notes for 俭
Quick Contrast
节约 (jiéyuē) - use 俭 (jiǎn) when emphasizing moral virtue in frugality, while 节约 focuses more on the act of saving resources.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise old man (the radical 人, meaning 'person') counting coins carefully while sitting on a small wooden chair (the radical 椅). He embodies the essence of 俭 (jiǎn), as he knows the value of saving and being frugal, ensuring he has enough for the future.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 俭 with similar-sounding words like 简 (jiǎn), which means 'simple'. It's important to note that 俭 is more about economic behavior, while 简 relates to simplicity in form or style. This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of its positive connotation in discussions about lifestyle choices.
HSK Study Tips
While 俭 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other HSK Level 3 words related to personal finance, such as 钱 (qián, 'money') and 省 (shěng, 'to save'). Focus on understanding its usage in contexts discussing budgeting or lifestyle choices.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, frugality is often seen as a virtue, reflecting Confucian values of moderation and respect for resources. This is evident in traditional sayings that advocate for saving and careful consumption.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 俭 with 便宜 (piányí, 'cheap'), mistakenly using 俭 to describe low prices instead of frugality in spending habits. For example, saying '这件衣服很俭' (This piece of clothing is very thrifty) is incorrect; it should be '这件衣服很便宜' (This piece of clothing is very cheap).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 俭
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Grammar Patterns of 俭
俭 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
“墨西哥的烹调注重____省，”她说，“任何东西都不会浪费。”
Mexican cookery is economical, she says. Nothing goes to waste.
Mexican cookery is economical, she says. Nothing goes to waste.
2
俭省是致富之本.
jiǎn shěng shì zhì fù zhī běn.
From saving comes having.
3
就为了交齐每月的租金，许多家庭不得不省吃俭用。
jiù wéi le jiāo qí měi yuè de zū jīn， ， xǔ duō jiā tíng bù dé bù shěng chī jiǎn。
Many families must skimp on their food and other necessities just to meet the monthly rent.
4
她拜访穷亲戚时穿得比较俭朴, 以免因摆阔而伤害他们的感情.
tā bài fǎng qióng qīn qī shí chuān dé bǐ jiào jiǎn pǔ, , yǐ miǎn yīn bǎi kuò ér shāng hài tā mén de gǎn.
She dressed down to visit her poor relatives, so as not to offend them by a show of her wealth.
5
为了送儿子上大学,他们不得不省吃俭用,拼命攒钱.
wéi le sòng ér zǐ shàng dà xué, , tā mén bù dé bù shěng chī jiǎn, yòng , pīn mìng.
They had to scrimp and save to send their son to college.
Cultural Notes for 俭
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, frugality is often seen as a virtue, reflecting Confucian values of moderation and respect for resources. This is evident in traditional sayings that advocate for saving and careful consumption.
Word Family of 俭
Words Containing This Character13
节俭jiéjiǎnfrugal節儉
勤俭qínjiǎnhardworking and frugal勤儉
省吃俭用to live frugally省吃儉用
勤工俭学qíngōngjiǎnxuéwork-study program勤工儉學
俭jiǎnfrugal儉
俭省thrifty儉省
勤俭持家hardworking and thrifty in running one's household勤儉持家
勤俭节约diligent and thrifty (idiom)勤儉節約
俭朴plain and unadorned儉朴
勤俭建国to build up the country through thrift and hard work (idiom)勤儉建國
克勤克俭to be industrious and frugal (idiom)克勤克儉
温良恭俭让kindhearted and moderate (idiom); temperate and gentle溫良恭儉讓
省俭frugal省儉
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 节俭 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 俭
You can say '他很俭省' (Tā hěn jiǎnshěng), meaning 'He is very thrifty'.
Synonyms include 节约 (jiéyuē, 'to save') and 省 (shěng, 'to save or economize').
Yes, 俭 can be used in both formal and informal writing, especially in discussions about budgeting and lifestyle.
