Chinese Character: 君
1. Character Basics
Radical: 口/kǒu (mouth)
Stroke Count: 7
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jūn (first tone)
3. Meaning
king, monarch, sovereign, ruler, lord, gentleman, mister
4. Common Words
- 君王 (jūn wáng) - king, monarch
- 君子 (jūn zǐ) - gentleman, nobleman
- 君主 (jūn zhǔ) - monarch, sovereign
- 国君 (guó jūn) - national monarch, sovereign
- 君臣 (jūn chén) - ruler and subjects
- 君子之交 (jūn zǐ zhī jiāo) - friendship between gentlemen
5. Grammar & Usage
• As a noun: refers to rulers or gentlemen
• In compounds: combines with other characters to form terms related to rulership or nobility
• In polite address: can be used as a term of respect, similar to "mister"
• In idioms: appears in many idiomatic expressions related to virtue and nobility
6. Cultural Background
The character "君" has profound cultural significance in Chinese civilization. In ancient times, it primarily denoted rulers and monarchs. However, through the influence of Confucian philosophy, it also came to represent the ideal "gentleman" (君子) - a person of virtue, wisdom, and moral integrity. This dual meaning reflects the traditional Chinese belief that good governance and personal morality are closely connected. The character appears extensively in classical literature, poetry, and philosophical texts, embodying core values of Chinese culture.
7. Example Sentence
君子一言，驷马难追。
Jūn zǐ yī yán, sì mǎ nán zhuī.
A gentleman's word is as good as his bond.
8. Memory Tips
The character "君" consists of 尹 (yǐn, meaning to rule or govern) and 口 (kǒu, meaning mouth). A useful mnemonic is to imagine a wise ruler (尹) speaking (口) with authority and integrity. This image connects to both the literal meaning of "ruler" and the cultural concept of the virtuous "gentleman."