Definition
建 (jiàn) is a general verb meaning 'to build, establish, construct'. It is the most versatile and can be used for both physical buildings and abstract institutions, but it often appears in compounds. For concrete physical construction, 建造 (jiànzào) is more specific; for large-scale projects or systems, use 建设 (jiànshè); for establishing an organization or relationship, 建立 (jiànlì) is preferred.
verb
to buildto establishto construct
Easily confused
- 键jiànlook-alike(noun) key (on a keyboard, piano, etc.)
- 见jiànsound-aliketo see; to meet
- 件jiànsound-alike(classifier) for items of clothing, objects, and matters
- 间jiānsound-alike(classifier) for rooms, offices, and other enclosed spaces
- 剑jiànsound-alikedouble-edged sword
- 剪jiǎnsound-aliketo cut with scissors; to trim
- 捡jiǎnsound-aliketo pick up; to collect; to gather
- 尖jiānsound-alike(adjective) sharp, pointed; shrill, tapering; shrill, piercing; acute, keen
- 箭jiànsound-alikearrow
- 贱jiànsound-alike(adjective) cheap, inexpensive (of goods)
Examples
- 建。Tāmen jiàn le yí dòng dà lóu.They built a big building.
- 建。Tā zài chéng lǐ jiàn le yì suǒ xīn xuéxiào.He built a new school in the city.
- 建。Zhèngfǔ jiàn le yì tiáo xīn de tiělù.The government built a new railway.
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