懇 (kěn) - sincere & earnest

懇Tone 3

kěn ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

懇 · kěn

sincere;

earnest;

to request earnestly;

to petition

sincereearnestto request earnestly

Usage highlights

sincere requestearnest hopesincere adviceearnest petitionsincere and earnestsincere words

Synonyms

  • 诚— sincere, honest
  • 真— true, genuine
  • 挚— sincere, earnest

Antonyms

  • 伪— false, fake
  • 虚— hollow, insincere

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He made a sincere request (恳求).
  • She wrote an earnest letter (恳切的书信).
  • They petitioned the government (向政府恳请).
  • He spoke with heartfelt sincerity (诚恳地说话).

Collocations

  • sincere request(恳求)
  • earnest hope(恳望)
  • sincere advice(恳劝)
  • earnest petition(恳请)
  • sincere and earnest(诚恳)
  • sincere words(恳辞)

Idioms

  • Sincere and earnest(诚恳恳恳)
  • To request earnestly and repeatedly(恳恳请求)
  • To petition with utmost sincerity(恳切陈词)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character embodies the Confucian value of sincerity and earnestness in communication.
  • Traditionally used in formal petitions and requests to show respect and genuine intent.
  • The heart radical (心) at the bottom emphasizes the emotional sincerity behind the request.

FAQ