謇 (jiǎn) - Stammer, stutter & upright, honest

謇Tone 3

jiǎn ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

嘉健

謇 · jiǎn

Stammer, stutter;

upright, honest;

a particle used in classical Chinese.

Stammer, stutterupright, honesta particle used in classical Chinese.

Usage highlights

Stammering speechHonest and uprightLoyal and outspokenStutteringDifficult speech

Synonyms

  • 讷— slow of speech
  • 正— upright, honest
  • 直— straightforward, frank

Antonyms

  • 佞— flattering, glib
  • 滑— slippery, cunning

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He speaks with a slight stammer (謇吃).
  • The official was known for his honest and upright character (謇正).
  • It is used as a classical particle in ancient texts (謇吾法夫前修兮).

Collocations

  • Stammering speech(謇吃)
  • Honest and upright(謇正)
  • Loyal and outspoken(謇谔)
  • Stuttering(口謇)
  • Difficult speech(謇涩)

Idioms

  • Outspoken and loyal advice(謇谔之风)
  • To speak bluntly and loyally(謇謇谔谔)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Used in classical Chinese literature, notably in the poetry of Qu Yuan.
  • Historically associated with the virtue of frank and honest speech in officials.
  • The character is rare in modern usage but retains a classical, literary feel.

FAQ