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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.
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.
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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Phonosemantic compound. 亻 represents the meaning and 佥 represents the sound. Simplified form of 儉.
1The meaning half亻 carries the sense.
2The sound half佥 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayperson
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 俭? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 俭?
Decomposition of 俭
IDS Structure⿰亻佥
俭Full Character
=
亻ren2
left
佥qian1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 俭?
How to say frugal in Chinese
“frugal” in Chinese is俭jiǎn
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.
When to use 俭
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.
俭 or something close to it
节约 (jiéyuē) - use 俭 (jiǎn) when emphasizing moral virtue in frugality, while 节约 focuses more on the act of saving resources.
What learners get wrong
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).
Write 俭
俭
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Practice writing 俭 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
