Definitions
Etymology phono-semantic
metal
About
The traditional character 鑑, also simplified as 鉴, originates from the concept of a bronze mirror, with its structure combining the metal radical 金 to denote its material and the component 監 below, which itself depicts a person looking into a vessel of water, a primitive mirror. This composition directly links the character to the act of viewing or reflecting. Over time, its meaning extended from the concrete object, the mirror, to the associated action of inspection or reflection, as in "to reflect upon". It further developed abstract meanings related to discernment and appraisal, such as in the words for reference (借鉴) or appraisal (鉴定). The simplified form 鉴 retains the upper portion of 監 while replacing the specific metal radical with a more general container-like form.
Example Sentences Hide
我们鉴定一下这些古董。
借鉴经验能帮助成长。
鉴赏音乐需要培养品味。
鉴于时间紧迫，我们得快点儿。
这次事故是一个沉重的鉴戒。
警方鉴证了犯罪现场的证据。
请鉴核这份报告并批准。
希望您能鉴谅我们的疏忽。