鉴 (jiàn) - To inspect, examine, reflect & a mirror

鉴Tone 4

jiàn ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

健傑

鉴 · jiàn

To inspect, examine, reflect;

a mirror;

to serve as a warning or example;

to learn from past experience.

To inspect, examine, reflecta mirrorto serve as a warning or example

Usage highlights

MirrorLearn from past mistakesAppraisalReferenceInspect carefullyHistorical lesson

Synonyms

  • 镜— mirror
  • 察— observe, examine
  • 审— scrutinize, examine carefully

Antonyms

  • 蔽— cover, conceal
  • 瞒— hide, conceal

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Use history as a mirror (以史为鉴).
  • This serves as a warning for future generations (鉴戒).
  • Please review and approve this document (请鉴核).
  • A bronze mirror from the Han dynasty (铜鉴).

Collocations

  • Mirror(镜子)
  • Learn from past mistakes(借鉴)
  • Appraisal(鉴定)
  • Reference(参考)
  • Inspect carefully(鉴别)
  • Historical lesson(鉴戒)

Idioms

  • Take warning from the overturned cart ahead(前车之鉴)
  • The past is a mirror for the future(鉴往知来)
  • Learn from others' strong points to offset one's weaknesses(鉴往知来)
  • Draw lessons from others' mistakes(引以为鉴)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to bronze mirrors used in ancient China for reflection.
  • Extended meaning of 'learning from the past' is deeply rooted in Chinese historical consciousness.
  • Commonly used in formal and literary contexts to signify careful examination and judgment.

FAQ