Traditional: 劒
jiàn HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

这把剑非常锋利。
Zhè bǎ jiàn fēicháng fēnglì.
This sword is very sharp.
古代战士常用剑战斗。
Gǔdài zhànshì cháng yòng jiàn zhàndòu.
Ancient warriors often used swords to fight.
博物馆里展示了一把剑。
Bówùguǎn lǐ zhǎnshì le yī bǎ jiàn.
A sword is displayed in the museum.
这把剑很锋利。
Zhè bǎ jiàn hěn fēnglì.
This sword is very sharp.
他有一把剑。
Tā yǒu yī bǎ jiàn.
He has a sword.

💡 Memory Tip

Remember 剑 by its radical 刂 (knife) on the right, indicating a blade, and associate it with the phrase '宝剑' (bǎojiàn - treasured sword) to highlight its cultural value as a double-edged weapon.

📝 Usage Notes

Primarily used in formal or literary contexts, such as historical discussions, martial arts, or idioms. It appears in phrases describing swordsmanship (剑术, jiànshù) or metaphorical expressions about conflict or skill. Less common in everyday conversation unless referring to specific contexts like antiques or fiction.

📖 Grammar Points

Used as a noun, often modified by adjectives (e.g., 锋利的剑, fēnglì de jiàn - sharp sword) or in compound nouns (e.g., 剑术, jiànshù - swordsmanship). Can appear in idiomatic structures like 剑拔弩张 (jiàn bá nǔ zhāng - swords drawn and bows bent, meaning tense confrontation). Typically does not function as a verb.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, the sword represents justice, heroism, and scholarly refinement, often featured in wuxia (martial arts) literature and films. It is also a symbol of authority and spiritual cultivation in Taoist and martial traditions.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 刀 (dāo), which is a single-edged blade often used for cutting in daily life or as a weapon, 剑 specifically refers to a double-edged sword with cultural and martial significance. 剑 is more formal and symbolic, while 刀 is more practical and common.

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