Traditional: 藉
jiè HSK 3

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

我借书。
Wǒ jiè shū.
I borrow a book.
他借我钱。
Tā jiè wǒ qián.
He lends me money.
你可以借笔吗?
Nǐ kěyǐ jiè bǐ ma?
Can you lend a pen?
我借书。
Wǒ jiè shū.
I borrow a book.
他借笔。
Tā jiè bǐ.
He borrows a pen.

💡 Memory Tip

Imagine a librarian saying 'Just (jiè) borrow it!' The character combines 亻(person) + 昔(old) – think 'a person handling something previously used by another,' capturing the transfer concept.

📝 Usage Notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts, spoken and written. Common in daily transactions, library settings, and financial contexts. The word is neutral and works for all registers.

📖 Grammar Points

Key patterns: 1) Subject + 借 + Object (borrow): 我借书。2) Subject + 借 + Object1 + 给 + Object2 (lend): 我借书给他。3) Subject + 向/从 + Person + 借 + Object (borrow from): 我向他借钱。The 给 structure clarifies lending direction.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, borrowing/lending money between friends/family is common but can strain relationships if not handled carefully. The phrase '有借有还,再借不难' (return what you borrow, and borrowing again will be easy) reflects the importance of trust.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 贷 (dài, to loan, more formal/financial) and 租 (zū, to rent for payment), 借 is general-purpose for non-commercial temporary transfers. Unlike English, one word covers both borrowing and lending.

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