Definitions

jiàn (adjective) healthy; strong
jiàn (verb) to strengthen; to invigorate

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character 健, conveying notions of health and strength, is structurally composed of the person radical 亻 alongside the component 建, which provides phonetic guidance while imparting a semantic nuance of establishment or steadfastness. Its early usage primarily denoted physical vigor and sturdy endurance, reflecting an emphasis on bodily capacity and resilience. Through historical linguistic development, the term's application broadened from describing mere physical power to encompassing a more integrated concept of well-being, thereby incorporating ideas of vitality and overall soundness. In modern contexts, it continues to serve as a foundational element in lexicon related to fitness and wellness, maintaining its intrinsic connection to human fortitude.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他非常康。

Tā fēicháng jiànkāng.

He is very healthy.

身对身体好。

Jiànshēn duì shēntǐ hǎo.

Exercise is good for the body.

运动员很壮。

Yùndòngyuán hěn jiànzhuàng.

Athletes are very strong.

她每天坚持身。

Tā měitiān jiānchí jiànshēn.

She insists on exercising every day.

康饮食很重要。

Jiànkāng yǐnshí hěn zhòngyào.

Healthy eating is very important.

忘的人常丢东西。

Jiànwàng de rén cháng diū dōngxi.

Forgetful people often lose things.

我们要保持身体康。

Wǒmen yào bǎochí shēntǐ jiànkāng.

We need to maintain good health.

公司致力于全管理制度。

Gōngsī zhìlì yú jiànquán guǎnlǐ zhìdù.

The company is committed to improving the management system.