Definitions

jiàn (noun) mirror; reflection
jiàn (verb) to inspect; to examine
jiàn (verb) to learn from; to take as an example
jiàn (verb) to warn; to serve as a warning

Etymology phono-semantic

metal

Semantic:

About

The character 鉴 and its traditional form 鑑 are phono-semantic compounds built around the metal radical 金, indicating the material originally used for mirrors before glass. The component 监 (simplified) or 監 (traditional) serves both as a phonetic element and carries the meaning "to oversee", reinforcing the visual aspect of the character. Originally referring to a bronze basin filled with water used as a mirror, the meaning extended to the mirror itself, and later abstracted to verbs like to reflect upon, to inspect, or to serve as a warning or example.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们定一下这些古董。

Wǒmen jiàndìng yīxià zhèxiē gǔdǒng.

We appraise these antiques.

经验能帮助成长。

Jièjiàn jīngyàn néng bāngzhù chéngzhǎng.

Learning from experience can help with growth.

赏音乐需要培养品味。

Jiànshǎng yīnyuè xūyào péiyǎng pǐnwèi.

Appreciating music requires cultivating taste.

于时间紧迫,我们得快点儿。

Jiànyú shíjiān jǐnpò, wǒmen dé kuài diǎnr.

Due to time constraints, we need to hurry up.

这次事故是一个沉重的戒。

Zhè cì shìgù shì yīgè chénzhòng de jiànjiè.

This accident is a heavy lesson.

警方证了犯罪现场的证据。

Jǐngfāng jiànzhèngle fànzuì xiànchǎng de zhèngjù.

The police verified the evidence from the crime scene.

核这份报告并批准。

Qǐng jiànhé zhè fèn bàogào bìng pīzhǔn.

Please examine and verify this report and approve it.

希望您能谅我们的疏忽。

Xīwàng nín néng jiànliàng wǒmen de shūhū.

I hope you can understand and forgive our negligence.