Definitions

jiān (adjective) simultaneous; concurrent
jiān (verb) to hold multiple positions; to serve multiple roles
jiān (adjective) both; double

Etymology

Depicts a hand () holding two stalks of grain ().

About

The character 兼 derives from an early depiction of two grain stalks held together in one hand, a form that conceptually emphasized the act of combining or handling two items at once. Its evolved structure, while stylized over time, retains this core idea through components that suggest duality and union. The original meaning, centered on physical conjunction, gradually broadened to abstract applications involving simultaneity, additional roles, or the inclusive management of multiple aspects, leading to its contemporary use in terms that denote concurrent actions or compounded functions.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze 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 Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

职做翻译。

Ta jian zhi zuo fan yi.

She works part-time as a translator.

他身数职,非常忙碌。

Ta shen jian shu zhi, feichang mang lu.

He holds several positions concurrently and is very busy.

我们要顾工作和学习。

Wo men yao jian gu gong zuo he xue xi.

We need to balance work and study.

这个房间具客厅和书房的功能。

Zhe ge fang jian jian ju ke ting he shu fang de gong neng.

This room combines the functions of a living room and a study.

这位设计师的作品备美观与实用。

Zhe wei she ji shi de zuo pin jian bei mei guan yu shi yong.

This designer's work combines beauty and practicality.

他德才备,是领导的合适人选。

Ta de cai jian bei, shi ling dao de he shi ren xuan.

He possesses both integrity and ability, making him a suitable candidate for leadership.

此举一石二鸟,可谓收并蓄。

Ci ju yi shi er niao, ke wei jian shou bing xu.

This move kills two birds with one stone, achieving multiple benefits at once.

此方案博采众长,诸般优点而有之。

Ci fang an bo cai zhong chang, zhu ban you dian jian er you zhi.

This plan draws on everyone's strengths and possesses all the various advantages.