谨

謹

jǐn

堇 + 讠

Definitions

jǐn (adjective) cautious; careful

jǐn (adverb) solemnly; sincerely

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 讠 represents the meaning and 堇 represents the sound. Simplified form of 謹.

Semantic: 讠 Phonetic: 堇

About

谨 is a phono-semantic compound: the semantic radical 讠 (speech) indicates the meaning, and the phonetic component 堇 gives the sound. Its traditional form 謹 uses the unsimplified speech radical 言. The character conveys carefulness, caution, solemnity, and sincerity, especially in spoken words and formal conduct. Often used in formal correspondence and official documents, it expresses that something is stated with gravity and deliberate respect, reflecting a vigilant, conscientious approach to communication and obligations.

Etymology Hide

Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们做事要谨慎。

Wǒmen zuòshì yào jǐnshèn.

We should be cautious when doing things.

我谨记你的教导。

Wǒ jǐnjì nǐ de jiàodǎo.

I solemnly remember your teaching.

我谨代表公司发言。

Wǒ jǐn dàibiǎo gōngsī fāyán.

I speak on behalf of the company.

在处理这个问题时，我们必须谨慎。

Zài chǔlǐ zhège wèntí shí, wǒmen bìxū jǐnshèn.

When handling this issue, we must be cautious.

大家要谨防网络诈骗。

Dàjiā yào jǐnfáng wǎngluò zhàpiàn.

Everyone should guard against online fraud.

他始终谨守自己的承诺。

Tā shǐzhōng jǐnshǒu zìjǐ de chéngnuò.

He always strictly adheres to his promises.

谨以此书献给所有支持我的人。

Jǐn yǐ cǐ shū xiàn gěi suǒyǒu zhīchí wǒ de rén.

I dedicate this book to all those who supported me.

在做出重大决定之前，他都会经过谨慎的考虑和全面的评估。

Zài zuòchū zhòngdà juédìng zhīqián, tā dōu huì jīngguò jǐnshèn de kǎolǜ hé quánmiàn de pínggū.

Before making major decisions, he always goes through cautious consideration and comprehensive evaluation.

Related Characters

Component: 堇

Component: 讠

谨