Chinese Character: 奸
1. Character Basics
Radical: 女/nǚ radical (woman)
Stroke Count: 6
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jiān
Pronunciation Note: Pronounced with a high and level tone (first tone).
3. Meaning
evil, treacherous, crafty, deceitful, adultery, traitor, villain
4. Common Words
- 奸臣 (jiānchén) - treacherous official - An official who betrays the country or ruler
- 奸商 (jiānshāng) - unscrupulous merchant - A dishonest businessman who cheats customers
- 奸细 (jiānxì) - spy, mole - A person who secretly collects information for an enemy
- 奸诈 (jiānzhà) - treacherous, crafty - Being deceitful and untrustworthy
- 奸计 (jiānjì) - crafty scheme, trick - A deceitful plan or trick
- 汉奸 (hànjiān) - traitor to China - A Chinese person who betrays their country
5. Grammar & Usage
1. As an adjective: "奸" is primarily used as an adjective to describe someone or something as evil, treacherous, or deceitful, as in "奸诈" (crafty).
2. In compound words: It is most commonly used in compound words that describe treacherous or deceitful people or actions, such as "奸臣" (treacherous official) and "奸计" (crafty scheme).
3. Negative connotation: The character almost always has a strongly negative connotation and is used to describe morally reprehensible behavior.
4. Formal language: "奸" is more commonly used in written and formal contexts rather than in everyday spoken language.
6. Cultural Background
The character "奸" has a complex cultural history. It is composed of three "女" (woman) radicals, which has been interpreted in different ways throughout history. In traditional Chinese culture, the character is often associated with negative qualities such as deceitfulness and betrayal. It has been used in various historical contexts to describe treacherous officials, dishonest merchants, and traitors to the country. The character's negative connotation reflects traditional Chinese cultural values that emphasize loyalty, honesty, and moral integrity.
7. Example Sentence
他被指控为汉奸，背叛了自己的国家。
Pinyin: Tā bèi zhǐkòng wéi hànjiān, bèipànle zìjǐ de guójiā.
Translation: He was accused of being a traitor to China, betraying his own country.
8. Memory Tips
The character "奸" is composed of three "女" (woman) radicals stacked horizontally. While the exact origin of this composition is debated, you can remember it by noting that it represents a strongly negative concept. The three women may symbolize something that was historically viewed as deviant or morally wrong in traditional Chinese culture. Focus on the pronunciation (jiān) and the negative meaning to help remember this character.