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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
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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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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 4 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
Complete the Sentence
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)
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1
我离开剑桥时，透支了1万英镑。
wǒ lí kāi jiàn qiáo shí， ， tòu zhī1 le 1 wàn。
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 zhī shì 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.
"There are trains straight from Cambridge."— 'I know. but it's no quicker.'
7
他已骑车出了剑桥，淹没在几百名年轻的自行车手当中。
tā yǐ qí chē chū le jiàn qiáo， ， yān méi zài jī bǎi míng nián qīng de zì háng chē shǒu dāng。
He had ridden out of Cambridge, inconspicuous among the hundreds of young cyclists.
8
手执利剑的人已经推翻了王室贵胄.
shǒu zhí lì jiàn de rén yǐ jīng tuī fān le wáng shì guì zhòu.
Men of the sword had overthrown nobles and kings.
9
这种声音像所有的音乐一样，如短剑般直刺我心。
zhè zhǒng shēng yīn xiàng suǒ yǒu de yīn lè yī yàng， ， rú duǎn jiàn bān zhí cì wǒ。
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.
yáng guāng bǎ chū qiào de jiàn zhào dé shǎn shǎn fā liàng.
The sun gleamed on naked swords.
Cultural Notes for 剑
🏮Cultural insight
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.
🌏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(double-edged) sword寶劍
剑桥Cambridge劍橋
剑术fencing劍術
剑客fencer (i.e. sportsman involved in fencing)劍客
击剑fencing (sport)擊劍
利剑sharp sword利劍
剑拔弩张at daggers drawn劍拔弩張
刀剑sword刀劍
双刃剑double-edged sword (both lit. and fig.)雙刃劍
佩剑sword佩劍
短剑dagger短劍
唇枪舌剑fight a battle of words唇槍舌劍
剑齿虎saber-toothed tiger劍齒虎
重剑épée (fencing)重劍
剑桥大学University of Cambridge劍橋大學
花剑foil (fencing)花劍
剑道kendō (sports)劍道
舞剑to perform a sword-dance舞劍
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 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.
