(kěn) - sincere & earnest

Tone 3

kěn | 10 strokes | radical: 心

· kěn

sincere;

earnest;

to request earnestly

sincereearnestto request earnestly

Usage highlights

sincere requestearnest hopesincere thankssincere invitationearnest advicesincere words

Synonyms

  • sincere, honest
  • sincere, earnest
  • devout, sincere

Antonyms

  • false, fake
  • hollow, insincere

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He made a sincere request (恳求).
  • Please accept my earnest thanks (恳谢).
  • She asked sincerely for help (恳请帮助).
  • He wrote a sincere letter (恳切的书信).

Collocations

  • sincere request(恳求)
  • earnest hope(恳望)
  • sincere thanks(恳谢)
  • sincere invitation(恳邀)
  • earnest advice(恳劝)
  • sincere words(恳言)

Idioms

  • Sincere and earnest(诚恳恳恳)
  • With sincere words and earnest wishes(恳恳切切)
  • Sincere request and earnest hope(恳求恳望)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Represents the Confucian virtue of sincerity and earnestness in communication
  • Often used in formal requests and appeals to show respect and humility
  • The character combines 'follow' (艮) with 'heart' (心), suggesting following one's heart sincerely

FAQ