Definition
贤 (xián) is a bound form (b.f.) meaning 'virtuous, worthy, able' — a classical Confucian term for moral excellence. It cannot stand alone; you'll find it as the first or second element in compounds like 贤人 (worthy person), 贤妻 (virtuous wife), 贤明 (sage and wise), and in formal titles and given names.
b.f.
(bound form, classical) virtuous and ableworthy
Examples
- 。xiánmíng de lǐngdǎo nénggòu dàilǐng dàjiā zǒuxiàng chénggōng.A wise and virtuous leader can guide everyone to success.
- 贤。Tā bèi yù wéi dāngdài de xiánnéng zhī shì.He is praised as a contemporary worthy and capable person.
- 贤。Gǔdài tí chàng xián qī liáng mǔ de pǐndé.Ancient times promoted the virtue of a virtuous wife and good mother.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.