Meanings of 贱
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About 贱
Podcast: 贱
Podcast: 贱
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AI Study Notes for 贱
贱 (cheap) vs 低 (low) — use 贱 to emphasize worthlessness or contempt, while 低 refers to a lower position or level without the same negative connotation.
Imagine a 'cheap' necklace made of plastic instead of gold, which represents something贱 (jiàn). The character has a radical that suggests value, and the '贱' can be visualized as a downward arrow, indicating low worth. Think of a 'jacket' (sounds like 'jiàn') that is so cheap it's almost worthless!
Learners often confuse 贱 (jiàn) with 便宜 (piányi), which also means cheap but in a more neutral context. 贱 carries a negative connotation and should be used carefully, particularly when discussing people or their actions. It's typically informal, so avoid using it in formal writing.
While 贱 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding its meaning can help learners grasp nuances in conversation. Focus on context and emotional tone when using this word, as it can convey strong feelings about value and character.
In Chinese culture, the concept of social hierarchy often relates to the idea of worth, both materially and morally. The term 贱 may be used to describe someone's low status or behavior, reflecting societal values around respect and reputation.
Learners often misuse 贱 by applying it to describe inexpensive items in a neutral context. For example, saying '这个衣服很贱' (This clothing is very cheap) should be corrected to '这个衣服很便宜' (This clothing is very inexpensive) to avoid negative implications.
Pronunciation of 贱
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Etymology of 贱
Costing little 戋 money 贝; 戋 also provides the pronunciation
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 贱?
Decomposition of 贱
Identify the Components
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Write 贱
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Practice writing 贱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 贱
贱 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. 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.
Complete the Sentence
不出臭汗去,心里痒痒, 你个____骨头!
If you don't sweat you feel itchy, you cheap beggar!
Example Sentences for 贱 (1)
Cultural Notes for 贱
In Chinese culture, the concept of social hierarchy often relates to the idea of worth, both materially and morally. The term 贱 may be used to describe someone's low status or behavior, reflecting societal values around respect and reputation.
Word Family of 贱
Compound Meaning
What does 贱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 贱
No, 贱 has a negative connotation and is used to describe something or someone as lowly or contemptible.