剑

• Pinyin: jiàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 剑 = 佥 (phonetic) + 刂 (knife), a bladed weapon

Meaning

Sword; a double-edged blade weapon.

Refers specifically to the double-edged straight sword, as opposed to 刀 (single-edged blade). Central to Chinese martial arts and literature. Also used in compounds like 击剑 (fencing) and 宝剑 (precious sword).

Examples

1. 中国古代的剑术是一门讲究技巧与修养并重的武艺。 Ancient Chinese swordsmanship is a martial art that emphasizes both technique and cultivation.
2. 博物馆里展出了一把两千年前的青铜剑，保存完好。 The museum displayed a bronze sword from two thousand years ago, perfectly preserved.
3. 她从小学习击剑，现在已经是国家队的主力选手了。 She has been learning fencing since childhood and is now a key player on the national team.

Usage Guide

Context: martial arts, history, sports

Tone: literary

Do Say

• 这把剑是真品还是仿制品？(Is this sword authentic or a replica?)
• 击剑是奥运会的比赛项目之一。(Fencing is one of the Olympic sports.)

Don't Say

• 把菜刀称为剑 (剑 specifically refers to swords — use 刀 for knives and single-edged blades)

Origin & History

Pictophonetic: 钅(metal) + 佥 (phonetic). Originally written with the knife radical.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal