Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
劍jiàn(jian4)
The character 劍 (jiàn) refers to a sword, often used to denote traditional Chinese swords or daggers. It is commonly associated with martial arts and historical contexts, symbolizing strength and honor. In modern usage, it can also represent the concept of a 'sword' in various idiomatic expressions.
Strokes15Radical刂Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, swords have a significant historical and symbolic importance, often representing the ideals of justice and bravery, particularly in classic literature and films about martial arts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong warrior holding a sword (劍) with a 'J' shape resembling a blade. The 'J' in 'jiàn' can remind you of 'jabbing' with a sword, emphasizing its sharpness and cutting ability.
Meanings of 劍
jiàn(jian4)
1sword, dagger, saber
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 劍
劍Simplified
15Strokes
刂Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 劍
Podcast: 劍
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 劍
Quick Contrast
刀 (dāo) — use 劍 (jiàn) when referring to a traditional sword, while 刀 (dāo) specifically denotes a knife or dagger.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong warrior holding a sword (劍) with a 'J' shape resembling a blade. The 'J' in 'jiàn' can remind you of 'jabbing' with a sword, emphasizing its sharpness and cutting ability.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 劍 (jiàn) with 刀 (dāo), which means 'knife' or 'blade'. 劍 is more formal and often used in contexts related to martial arts or historical discussions. It’s also important to note the tone; a mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
Though 劍 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it's useful for learners interested in cultural or historical topics. Focus on associating this word with related terms in martial arts, as it can enhance comprehension of various phrases and expressions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, swords have a significant historical and symbolic importance, often representing the ideals of justice and bravery, particularly in classic literature and films about martial arts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 劍 with similar-sounding words, leading to errors like saying '我有一把刀' (Wǒ yǒu yī bǎ dāo, 'I have a knife') when they mean 'sword'. The correct form should be '我有一把劍' (Wǒ yǒu yī bǎ jiàn).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 劍
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 劍 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 劍 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 劍
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, swords have a significant historical and symbolic importance, often representing the ideals of justice and bravery, particularly in classic literature and films about martial arts.
Word Family of 劍
Words Containing This Character19
剑jiàndouble-edged sword劍
宝剑(double-edged) sword寶劍
剑桥Cambridge劍橋
剑术fencing劍術
剑客fencer (i.e. sportsman involved in fencing)劍客
击剑fencing (sport)擊劍
利剑sharp sword利劍
剑拔弩张at daggers drawn劍拔弩張
刀剑sword刀劍
双刃剑double-edged sword (both lit. and fig.)雙刃劍
佩剑sword佩劍
短剑dagger短劍
唇枪舌剑fight a battle of words唇槍舌劍
剑齿虎saber-toothed tiger劍齒虎
重剑épée (fencing)重劍
剑桥大学University of Cambridge劍橋大學
花剑foil (fencing)花劍
剑道kendō (sports)劍道
舞剑to perform a sword-dance舞劍
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 剑 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 劍
劍 refers specifically to swords, while 刀 refers to knives or blades. 劍 is typically associated with martial arts and historical weapons.
You can say, '他拿着一把劍' (Tā ná zhe yī bǎ jiàn), which means 'He is holding a sword.'
Yes, for example, '出劍' (chū jiàn) means 'to draw a sword,' often used metaphorically to indicate taking action or confronting a problem.
