Learn a Chinese Character - 谨

1. Character Basics

Radical: 言/yán (speech/writing)

Stroke Count: 13

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: jǐn (third tone)

3. Meaning

Cautious, careful, prudent, respectful, rigorous

4. Common Words

• 谨慎 (jǐn shèn): Cautious, prudent
• 谨记 (jǐn jì): Remember carefully, keep in mind
• 谨启 (jǐn qǐ): Sincerely yours (closing in letters)
• 严谨 (yán jǐn): Rigorous, precise, strict
• 谨小慎微 (jǐn xiǎo shèn wēi): Extremely cautious, overcautious
• 谨严 (jǐn yán): Careful and strict, precise

5. Grammar & Usage

As an adjective:
- Describes a careful and prudent attitude: 谨慎的人 (a cautious person)
- Describes strict attention to detail: 严谨的作风 (rigorous style)

In formal expressions:
- Used in letter closings: 谨上 (jǐn shàng) - sincerely yours
- Used in official statements: 谨此声明 (jǐn cǐ shēng míng) - hereby declare

Common collocations:
- 谨慎行事 (jǐn shèn xíng shì): Act cautiously
- 谨守 (jǐn shǒu): Strictly observe, adhere to
- 谨代表 (jǐn dài biǎo): On behalf of (formally)

Usage notes:
- More formal than everyday words like 小心 (xiǎo xīn)
- Often used in written Chinese, official documents, and formal speech

6. Cultural Background

The character 谨 holds significant cultural importance in Chinese society:

Confucian influence:
- The concept of 谨 (caution and respect) is deeply rooted in Confucian teachings
- It represents one of the fundamental virtues emphasized in traditional Chinese ethics

Historical context:
- In ancient China, being 谨 was considered essential for maintaining social harmony
- It was particularly valued in official conduct and scholarly pursuits

Modern significance:
- While China has modernized, the value of 谨 remains important in professional and social contexts
- It's often emphasized in fields requiring precision and responsibility

Cross-cultural comparison:
- Unlike some Western cultures that may emphasize boldness, Chinese culture has traditionally valued the virtue of caution and careful consideration embodied by 谨

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Character breakdown:
- 言 (speech radical) on the left, indicating connection to language or expression
- 堇 (jǐn) on the right, which originally meant a type of clay or a sacrifice

Mnemonic:
Think of someone speaking (言) carefully and respectfully (堇), which represents the character's meaning of being cautious and respectful in speech and action.

Visual association:
The character's structure with the 言 radical on the left reminds us that being 谨 often involves careful communication and expression.