honorific used for a person of the same or a younger generation
HSK 6, zg, 8 strokes, radical 贝, rank #7723, Hard
贤
xián
virtuous, worthy; good, able
HSK 6, zg, 8 strokes, radical 贝, rank #7723, Hard
xián(xian2)xian T2
1worthy or virtuous person
2honorific used for a person of the same or a younger generation
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March 24, 2026
贤(賢)xián(xian2)
The character 贤 (xián) refers to a person who is virtuous, worthy, or capable. It is often used in honorific contexts to describe someone of the same or younger generation who possesses admirable qualities. In Chinese culture, being called 贤 is a significant compliment, reflecting moral integrity and competence.
Strokes8Radical贝Frequency#7723DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, virtues are highly valued, and being called 贤 often implies not just personal qualities but also societal expectations for moral behavior. The term can also be seen in classical literature, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and virtue.
Memory Tip
Think of 贤 as a 'worthy' person, represented by the combination of the radical '衣' (clothing) suggesting social standing and '贤' itself which sounds like 'sheen'—like a shiny, virtuous character. Imagine a wise elder in traditional clothing, imparting wisdom to younger generations.
Meanings of 贤
xián(xian2)
1worthy or virtuous person
2honorific used for a person of the same or a younger generation
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 贤 means.
About 贤
贤Simplified
賢Traditional
8Strokes
贝Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#7723Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 贤
Podcast: 贤
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AI Study Notes for 贤
Quick Contrast
贤 (xián) vs 能 (néng) — use 贤 when emphasizing moral virtue and admirable qualities, while 能 focuses on capability or skill.
Usage Notes
When using 贤, it is important to note its honorific nature, so it's typically reserved for respectful contexts. Common collocations include 贤良 (xiánliáng, virtuous and good) and 贤人 (xiánrén, worthy person). Avoid using it in casual conversations where a simpler term might suffice.
HSK Study Tips
Although 贤 is not included in HSK levels, it connects with other descriptive adjectives at the same level, such as 好 (hǎo, good) and 尊 (zūn, to respect). Learners should focus on its usage in honorific contexts to deepen understanding of social hierarchy in Chinese.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 贤 with 先 (xiān, first) due to similar pronunciation. Remember, 贤 relates to virtue, while 先 relates to sequence. Another mistake is using 贤 in very casual settings; stick to formal or respectful contexts to avoid sounding out of place.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 贤
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How Well Do You Know 贤?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 贤 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 贤 (xián) refers to a person who is virtuous, worthy, or capable. It is often used in honorific contexts to describe someone of the same or younger generation who possesses admirable qualities. In Chinese culture, being called 贤 is a significant compliment, reflecting moral integrity and competence.
When to use 贤
When using 贤, it is important to note its honorific nature, so it's typically reserved for respectful contexts. Common collocations include 贤良 (xiánliáng, virtuous and good) and 贤人 (xiánrén, worthy person). Avoid using it in casual conversations where a simpler term might suffice.
贤 or something close to it
贤 (xián) vs 能 (néng) — use 贤 when emphasizing moral virtue and admirable qualities, while 能 focuses on capability or skill.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 贤 with 先 (xiān, first) due to similar pronunciation. Remember, 贤 relates to virtue, while 先 relates to sequence. Another mistake is using 贤 in very casual settings; stick to formal or respectful contexts to avoid sounding out of place.
Write 贤
贤
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Practice writing 贤 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 贤
贤 carries 3 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我非常喜欢莫里斯，我会成为他的____内助的。
I'm very fond of Maurice and I'd make him a good wife.
Example Sentences for 贤 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
zgworthy or virtuous person8
1
我非常喜欢莫里斯，我会成为他的贤内助的。
wǒ fēi cháng xǐ huān mò lǐ sī， ， wǒ huì chéng wéi tā de xián nèi zhù。
I'm very fond of Maurice and I'd make him a good wife.
2
他有幸娶到如此一位贤妻.
tā yǒu xìng qǔ dào rú cǐ yī wèi xián qī.
He is blessed in having such a good wife.
3
在古代社会，贤者常常被选为国家的顾问。
Zài gǔdài shèhuì, xiánzhě chángcháng bèi xuǎn wéi guójiā de gùwèn.
In ancient society, worthy individuals were often chosen as advisors to the state.
4
他不但学识渊博，而且品德高尚，是个真正的贤才。
Tā bùdàn xuéshí yuānbó, érqiě pǐndé gāoshàng, shì gè zhēnzhèng de xián cái.
He is not only knowledgeable but also has noble character, making him a truly virtuous talent.
