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March 24, 2026
奸jiān(jian1)
The character 奸 (jiān) denotes qualities associated with deceit, treachery, or wickedness. It is often used in contexts that refer to dishonesty or betrayal, and can also imply sexual infidelity. This character carries a negative connotation and is used to describe actions or individuals that are morally reprehensible.
Strokes6Radical女Frequency#11509DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, the concept of dishonesty and treachery, represented by 奸, is often explored in classical tales, particularly in stories involving betrayal among friends or family. It reflects a cultural emphasis on loyalty and integrity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cunning fox (the shape of the character) sneaking around, plotting to betray its friends. The left side (女) represents a woman, hinting at the character's connection to infidelity. Picture this fox, with the sound 'jiān' resonating like a sneaky whisper, as it embodies craftiness and deceit.
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AI Study Notes for 奸
Quick Contrast
奸 (jiān) vs 恶 (è) — use 奸 (jiān) specifically for deceit or treachery, while 恶 (è) refers more broadly to evil or wickedness without the specific connotation of betrayal.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cunning fox (the shape of the character) sneaking around, plotting to betray its friends. The left side (女) represents a woman, hinting at the character's connection to infidelity. Picture this fox, with the sound 'jiān' resonating like a sneaky whisper, as it embodies craftiness and deceit.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 奸, as it is strongly negative and can offend. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as literature or serious discussions about morality. Common collocations include 奸诈 (jiānzhà, crafty) and 奸情 (jiānqíng, infidelity).
HSK Study Tips
While not a standard HSK word, 奸 can be related to words in HSK levels 4-6 that discuss moral qualities or character traits. Focus on recognizing its usage in literature or media, as it often appears in moral discussions or critiques.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, the concept of dishonesty and treachery, represented by 奸, is often explored in classical tales, particularly in stories involving betrayal among friends or family. It reflects a cultural emphasis on loyalty and integrity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 奸 with similar characters like 假 (jiǎ, false) and 欺 (qī, to deceive), which have different nuances. For instance, saying 奸 means 'false' is incorrect; instead, use 假 for that meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 奸
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Grammar Patterns of 奸
奸 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
总统谈及了敌人的____诈用心。
The President spoke of the treacherous intentions of the enemy.
Example Sentences for 奸 (6)
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1
总统谈及了敌人的奸诈用心。
zǒng tǒng tán jí le dí rén de jiān zhà yòng xīn。
The President spoke of the treacherous intentions of the enemy.
2
有人揭发他就是个奸夫和白痴。
yǒu rén jiē fā tā jiù shì gè jiān fū hé bái chī。
He has simply been exposed as an adulterer and a fool.
3
他确确实实是个老奸巨猾的家伙。
tā què què shí shí shì gè lǎo jiān jù huá de jiā huǒ。
In Chinese literature, the concept of dishonesty and treachery, represented by 奸, is often explored in classical tales, particularly in stories involving betrayal among friends or family. It reflects a cultural emphasis on loyalty and integrity.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, treachery may not carry the same weight of familial and societal expectations as in Chinese culture, where loyalty is deeply valued, making betrayal particularly egregious.
Word Family of 奸
Words Containing This Character20
强奸to rape強姦
奸jiānwicked
汉奸traitor (to China)漢奸
内奸undiscovered traitor內奸
强奸犯rapist強姦犯
通奸adultery通姦
奸商profiteer
奸情adultery姦情
鸡奸sodomy雞奸
强奸罪rape強姦罪
奸细a spy奸細
轮奸to gang rape輪姦
奸诈jiānzhàtreachery奸詐
捉奸to catch a couple in the act (adultery, illicit sexual relations)捉姦
奸淫fornication姦淫
奸笑evil smile
奸杀to rape and murder姦殺
奸臣a treacherous court official
狼狈为奸villains collude together (idiom); to work hand in glove with sb (to nefarious ends)狼狽為奸
奸夫male adulterer
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 强奸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 奸
奸 emphasizes moral wrongdoing and deceit specifically, while characters like 欺 (qī) focus more on general trickery.
It's best to avoid using 奸 in casual conversation due to its strong negative implications; it is more suited for formal discussions.
It often appears in phrases that criticize someone's character or actions, highlighting deceitful or untrustworthy behavior.
