Meanings of 奸
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About 奸
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Podcast: 奸
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AI study notes for 奸
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.
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).
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 奸
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Etymology of 奸
Phonosemantic compound. 女 represents the meaning and 干 represents the sound. Simplified form of 姦.
woman
Origin
奸 = 女 + 干. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 奸
Parts
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How to say crafty, dishonest, selfish; evil, villainous; adultery in Chinese
“crafty, dishonest, selfish; evil, villainous; adultery” in Chinese is奸
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.
When to use 奸
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).
奸 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 奸
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Practice writing 奸 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
Fill the gap
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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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Cultural Notes for 奸
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 with 奸
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.
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