Definition
兼 (jiān) is a verb meaning to hold two or more roles or functions simultaneously, or for something to double as another. It is broader than 兼任 (jiān rèn), which specifically means holding concurrent official positions, and differs from 兼顾 (jiān gù), which emphasizes balancing competing priorities with care.
verb
to hold two or more positions or roles at the same timeto concurrently holdto double asto serve dual functions
Easily confused
- 兹zīlook-alikethis (formal, literary)
- 见jiànsound-aliketo see; to meet
- 首shǒulook-alike(classifier) for songs, poems, and pieces of music
- 件jiànsound-alike(classifier) for items of clothing, objects, and matters
- 羊yánglook-alikesheep; goat (generic term)
- 间jiānsound-alike(classifier) for rooms, offices, and other enclosed spaces
- 赚zhuànlook-aliketo earn (a profit), to make money
- 建jiànsound-aliketo build, to establish, to construct
- 嫌xiánlook-aliketo dislike (usually because something is unsatisfactory); to complain about; to find fault with
- 剑jiànsound-alikedouble-edged sword
Examples
- 。Tā jiān rèn liǎng gè bùmén de jīnglǐ.He concurrently serves as manager of two departments.
- 兼。Zhège fángjiān jiān zuò kètīng hé cāntīng.This room doubles as a living room and a dining room.
- 。Tā de zuòpǐn jiān yǒu gǔdiǎn yǔ xiàndài zhī měi.Her works combine classical and modern beauty.
Grammar
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.