Definitions

quàn (verb) to advise; to urge; to persuade
quàn (verb) to console; to soothe

Etymology

The power  beside  the throne

About

The character "劝", originating from its traditional form "勸", is etymologically composed of the component "力" denoting force or effort and "雚" which primarily served as a phonetic marker but also contributed a sense of urging or calling out, thus encapsulating the idea of encouraging someone to exert effort. Throughout its historical usage, the character has consistently conveyed meanings of persuasion and admonition, broadening from specific contexts of motivating action to more general applications of offering advice while retaining its fundamental association with active encouragement. The simplified form "劝" substitutes the complex "雚" with "又", a component often related to hand actions, thereby reducing the character's visual complexity while preserving the essential "力" to continue implying motivated endeavor, a structural change that did not alter the character's core semantic focus on urging and recommendation.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 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)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

你小心一点。

Wǒ quàn nǐ xiǎoxīn yīdiǎn.

I advise you to be a little careful.

我多休息。

Tā quàn wǒ duō xiūxi.

He advises me to rest more.

妈妈弟弟吃蔬菜。

Māma quàn dìdi chī shūcài.

Mom advises younger brother to eat vegetables.

老师我们认真听课。

Lǎoshī quàn wǒmen rènzhēn tīngkè.

The teacher advises us to listen to the class carefully.

朋友我别放弃希望。

Péngyou quàn wǒ bié fàngqì xīwàng.

My friend advises me not to give up hope.

了他三次,他才同意。

Wǒ quànle tā sān cì, tā cái tóngyì.

I advised him three times before he agreed.

医生病人戒烟戒酒。

Yīshēng quàn bìngrén jiè yān jiè jiǔ.

The doctor advises the patient to quit smoking and drinking.

尽管我多次她,她仍然坚持自己的决定。

Jǐnguǎn wǒ duō cì quàn tā, tā réngrán jiānchí zìjǐ de juédìng.

Although I advised her many times, she still insists on her own decision.