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剑 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
剑
jiàn
double-edged sword
HSK 6, n, 9 strokes, radical 刂, rank #2325, Hard
剑
jiàn
classifier for blows of a sword
HSK 6, n, 9 strokes, radical 刂, rank #2325, Hard
剑
jiàn
sword, dagger, saber
HSK 6, n, 9 strokes, radical 刂, rank #2325, Hard
jiàn(jian4)jian T4
1double-edged sword
2classifier for blows of a sword
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March 24, 2026
剑(劍)jiàn(jian4)
The character 剑 (jiàn) refers to a sword, particularly a double-edged sword, which is a significant weapon in Chinese history and culture. It is commonly used in historical texts, literature, and martial arts contexts, symbolizing power and skill. The term can also metaphorically represent a double-edged situation, where one action may have both positive and negative consequences.
Strokes9Radical刂Frequency#2325DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the sword is not just a weapon but also a symbol of honor, bravery, and the warrior spirit, often depicted in traditional stories and films. The concept of 'swordsmanship' (剑术, jiànshù) is a respected art form.
Memory tip
Imagine a sword (剑) that has two sharp edges, cutting through challenges. The left side of the character resembles a blade, while the right side can be visualized as the hilt of the sword. Remember 'jiàn' by picturing a duel where both sides face the sharp edge of a sword.
Meanings of 剑
jiàn(jian4)
1double-edged sword
2classifier for blows of a sword
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 剑
剑Simplified
劍Traditional
9Strokes
刂Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2325Frequency Rank
口Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 剑
Podcast: 剑
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AI study notes for 剑
Quick Contrast
刀 (dāo) - use 剑 (jiàn) when referring to a sword, especially a double-edged one, while 刀 (dāo) refers to a knife or single-edged blade.
Usage Notes
When using 剑, be mindful of its formal context, particularly in literature or discussions about martial arts. A common mistake is to confuse it with the character 刀 (dāo), which specifically means 'knife' and has a different connotation. It is often paired with terms related to combat or bravery.
HSK Study Tips
As a Level 6 HSK word, 剑 connects with other terms related to weaponry and martial arts, which may include words like 武器 (wǔqì, weapon) or 战斗 (zhàndòu, battle). Focus on its use in idiomatic expressions and classical literature to deepen your understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 剑 with related terms such as 武器 (wǔqì, weapon) or mistakenly use it in informal contexts. For example, saying '我需要一个剑' (wǒ xūyào yīgè jiàn) is incorrect; it should be '我需要一把剑' (wǒ xūyào yī bǎ jiàn) using the correct classifier.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 剑
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剑 = 刂 + 佥. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 剑
IDS Structure⿰佥刂
剑Full character
=
佥qian1
left
刂dao1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 剑?
How to say double-edged sword in Chinese
“double-edged sword” in Chinese is剑jiàn
The character 剑 (jiàn) refers to a sword, particularly a double-edged sword, which is a significant weapon in Chinese history and culture. It is commonly used in historical texts, literature, and martial arts contexts, symbolizing power and skill. The term can also metaphorically represent a double-edged situation, where one action may have both positive and negative consequences.
When to use 剑
When using 剑, be mindful of its formal context, particularly in literature or discussions about martial arts. A common mistake is to confuse it with the character 刀 (dāo), which specifically means 'knife' and has a different connotation. It is often paired with terms related to combat or bravery.
剑 or something close to it
刀 (dāo) - use 剑 (jiàn) when referring to a sword, especially a double-edged one, while 刀 (dāo) refers to a knife or single-edged blade.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 剑 with related terms such as 武器 (wǔqì, weapon) or mistakenly use it in informal contexts. For example, saying '我需要一个剑' (wǒ xūyào yīgè jiàn) is incorrect; it should be '我需要一把剑' (wǒ xūyào yī bǎ jiàn) using the correct classifier.
Write 剑
剑
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Practice writing 剑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 剑
剑 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我离开____桥时，透支了1万英镑。
When I left Cambridge I had a £10,000 overdraft.
Example sentences for 剑 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我离开剑桥时，透支了1万英镑。
wǒ líkāi jiàn qiáo shí， tòuzhī le1 wàn yīngbàng。
When I left Cambridge I had a £10,000 overdraft.
2
然而他的证词只是新一轮唇枪舌剑中的一股火力。
rán’ér tā de zhèng cí zhǐshì xīn yī lún chún qiāng shé jiàn zhōng de yī gǔ huǒ lì。
His testimony, however, was only one in a salvo of new attacks.
3
我期盼的一件事就是在剑桥乘坐平底船畅游。
wǒ qīpàn de yī jiàn shì jiùshì zài jiàn qiáo chéngzuò píng de chuán chàng yóu。
The one thing I look forward to is going punting in Cambridge.
4
他要我和他一起去剑桥。
tā yào wǒ hé tā yìqǐ qù jiàn qiáo。
He asked me to go to Cambridge with him.
5
他快到3点的时候抵达了剑桥。
tā kuài dào3 diǎn de shíhou dǐdá le jiàn qiáo。
He reached Cambridge shortly before three o'clock.
This sound, like all music, pierced my heart like a dagger.
10
阳光把出鞘的剑照得闪闪发亮.
yángguāng bǎ chū qiào de jiàn zhào de shǎn shǎn fā liàng.
The sun gleamed on naked swords.
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Cultural Notes for 剑
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western culture, swords are often associated with knights and chivalry, whereas in Chinese culture, the sword symbolizes a philosophical approach to life and conflict, embodying both physical and moral dimensions.
Word Family of 剑
Words containing this character19
剑jiàndouble-edged sword劍
宝剑bǎojiàn(double-edged) sword寶劍
剑桥jiànqiáoCambridge劍橋
剑术jiànshùfencing劍術
剑客jiànkèfencer (i.e. sportsman involved in fencing)劍客
击剑jījiànfencing (sport)擊劍
利剑lìjiànsharp sword利劍
剑拔弩张jiànbánǔzhāngat daggers drawn劍拔弩張
刀剑dāojiànsword刀劍
双刃剑shuāngrènjiàndouble-edged sword (both lit. and fig.)雙刃劍
佩剑pèijiànsword佩劍
短剑duǎnjiàndagger短劍
唇枪舌剑chúnqiāngshéjiànfight a battle of words唇槍舌劍
剑齿虎jiànchǐhǔsaber-toothed tiger劍齒虎
重剑zhòngjiànépée (fencing)重劍
剑桥大学jiànqiáodàxuéUniversity of Cambridge劍橋大學
花剑huājiànfoil (fencing)花劍
剑道jiàndàokendō (sports)劍道
舞剑wǔjiànto perform a sword-dance舞劍
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 剑
What does 宝剑 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 剑
剑 (jiàn) refers to a sword, typically double-edged, while 刀 (dāo) denotes a knife, usually single-edged.
You can say '他是一名剑客' (tā shì yī míng jiànkè), meaning 'He is a swordsman.'
It is more commonly found in literary or formal contexts rather than in everyday speech.
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