unknown, 11 strokes, radical 讠, rank #72189, Very Hard
jiàn(Jian4) T4
1to admonish, to remonstrate
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March 24, 2026
谏(諫)jiàn(Jian4)
The character 谏 (jiàn) means to admonish or remonstrate, often used in formal contexts where one advises or warns someone, particularly in positions of authority. It conveys a sense of earnestness and respect in delivering constructive criticism or counsel.
Strokes11Radical讠Frequency#72189DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, advisors often played crucial roles in the governance of emperors, where the act of '谏' symbolized loyalty and integrity, as they would risk their positions to speak truthfully to power.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise elder (the radical 言, meaning 'speech') standing before a ruler, gently admonishing him with thoughtful words. The pronunciation 'jiàn' sounds like 'gentle admonition', helping you remember the character's meaning and sound.
Meanings of 谏
jiàn(Jian4)
1to admonish, to remonstrate
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 谏
谏Simplified
諫Traditional
11Strokes
讠Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 谏
Podcast: 谏
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AI Study Notes for 谏
Quick Contrast
劝 (quàn) vs 谏 (jiàn): Use 谏 (jiàn) for formal admonishments to authority, while 劝 (quàn) is more general and can be used for advising anyone.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise elder (the radical 言, meaning 'speech') standing before a ruler, gently admonishing him with thoughtful words. The pronunciation 'jiàn' sounds like 'gentle admonition', helping you remember the character's meaning and sound.
Usage Notes
This character is typically used in formal or literary contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '谏言' (jiàn yán, admonishing words) and '谏诤' (jiàn zhèng, remonstrance). Be careful with the fourth tone; it can be confused with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
While 谏 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to HSK vocabulary related to advice and communication. Focus on understanding its formal usage, which can enhance your language skills in historical or political discussions.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, advisors often played crucial roles in the governance of emperors, where the act of '谏' symbolized loyalty and integrity, as they would risk their positions to speak truthfully to power.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 谏 with similar-sounding characters like 见 (jiàn, to see) due to the tonal difference. Make sure to practice the tone to avoid such mix-ups.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 谏
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Cultural Notes for 谏
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, advisors often played crucial roles in the governance of emperors, where the act of '谏' symbolized loyalty and integrity, as they would risk their positions to speak truthfully to power.
Word Family of 谏
Words Containing This Character5
谏jiànto admonish諫
劝谏to admonish勸諫
直谏direct criticism直諫
规谏to remonstrate規諫
从谏如流to follow admonition as natural flow (idiom); to accept criticism or correction (even from one's inferiors)從諫如流
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 谏 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 谏
You can say '他对国君谏言' (Tā duì guójūn jiànyán), meaning 'He admonished the king.'
No, it's more commonly used in formal writings or historical texts.
Related terms include '谏言' (admonishing words) and '谏诤' (remonstrance), which provide context for its usage.
