廉

㢘/亷

lián

兼 + 广

Definitions

lián (adjective) honest; incorruptible

lián (adjective) inexpensive

Etymology

About

The character 廉 combines the shelter radical 广 (wrapping the left and top, signifying a building or dwelling) enclosing the phonetic component 兼. Its original meaning was the sharp edge or corner of a building or hall. This sense of a clean, well-defined edge extended metaphorically to personal integrity, indicating uprightness, incorruptibility, and a clear distinction between right and wrong, and later acquired the meaning of inexpensive or low-priced goods.

Etymology Hide

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

这件衣服很廉价。

Zhè jiàn yīfú hěn liánjià.

This piece of clothing is very cheap.

他是一位廉洁的官员。

Tā shì yī wèi liánjié de guānyuán.

He is an honest and clean official.

政府提倡廉洁文化。

Zhèngfǔ tíchàng liánjié wénhuà.

The government promotes a culture of integrity.

购买廉价商品可以省钱。

Gòumǎi liánjià shāngpǐn kěyǐ shěng qián.

Buying cheap goods can save money.

廉洁的作风受到人民赞扬。

Liánjié de zuòfēng shòudào rénmín zànyáng.

The honest work style is praised by the people.

如果官员不廉洁，就会失去信任。

Rúguǒ guānyuán bù liánjié, jiù huì shīqù xìnrèn.

If officials are not honest, they will lose trust.

虽然价格低廉，但质量却很好。

Suīrán jiàgé dī lián, dàn zhìliàng què hěn hǎo.

Although the price is low, the quality is very good.

廉洁自律是公务员的基本要求。

Liánjié zìlǜ shì gōngwùyuán de jīběn yāoqiú.

Integrity and self-discipline are basic requirements for civil servants.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 兼

Component: 广

廉