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| 建议 [2025/08/04 19:37] – created xiaoer | 建议 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1 |
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| ====== jiànyì: 建议 - Suggestion, Recommendation, Advice ====== | |
| ===== Quick Summary ===== | |
| * **Keywords:** jianyi, 建议, how to give advice in Chinese, suggestion in Chinese, recommend in Chinese, Chinese for suggestion, Chinese grammar jianyi, what does jianyi mean, HSK 4 vocabulary. | |
| * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese word **建议 (jiànyì)**, which means "suggestion," "recommendation," or "advice." This page breaks down how to use **建议 (jiànyì)** as both a verb (to suggest) and a noun (a suggestion) in everyday conversation, business, and formal situations. Discover the cultural nuances behind giving and receiving advice in China, and understand how it differs from similar words like `意见 (yìjiàn)` and `劝告 (quàngào)`. This guide provides practical examples and tips to help you master this fundamental HSK 4 term. | |
| ===== Core Meaning ===== | |
| * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** jiàn yì | |
| * **Part of Speech:** Verb / Noun | |
| * **HSK Level:** HSK 4 | |
| * **Concise Definition:** To suggest or recommend; a suggestion or recommendation. | |
| * **In a Nutshell:** **建议 (jiànyì)** is your go-to word for offering a constructive idea or course of action. Think of it as a polite, direct way to say "I suggest..." or "My recommendation is...". It's less forceful than a command and more concrete than a vague hint. Whether you're planning a trip with friends or presenting a new strategy at work, `建议` is the word you'll use to propose your well-thought-out idea. | |
| ===== Character Breakdown ===== | |
| * **建 (jiàn):** This character means "to build" or "to establish." Imagine it as the process of constructing something solid and well-planned. | |
| * **议 (yì):** This character means "to discuss" or "opinion." The left part, 讠(yán), is the "speech" radical, indicating it's related to words and communication. The right part, 义 (yì), means righteousness or meaning. | |
| * Together, **建议 (jiànyì)** literally translates to "to build a discussion" or "to establish a meaningful opinion." This beautifully captures the essence of the word: it's not just a random thought, but a constructive proposal meant to be discussed and built upon. | |
| ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== | |
| In Western cultures, especially American culture, unsolicited "advice" can sometimes be perceived as intrusive or preachy. The response "I didn't ask for your advice" reflects a strong value placed on individual autonomy. | |
| In Chinese culture, offering a **建议 (jiànyì)** is often viewed differently. It's frequently seen as a gesture of care, helpfulness, and investment in a relationship or a collective goal. While context is key, a `建议` is generally welcomed, especially when it comes from someone with more experience, such as a teacher, a boss, or an elder. | |
| * **Harmony and Group Benefit:** A good `建议` is one that benefits the group (the company, the family, the team). It's a way of contributing to collective success and maintaining harmony. Accepting or at least seriously considering a `建议` shows respect for the person who offered it and for the relationship itself. | |
| * **Hierarchy and Respect:** When a senior person gives a `建议` to a junior person, it carries more weight than a suggestion between peers. It's expected that the junior person will listen respectfully and give the suggestion serious thought, even if they ultimately choose a different path. Rejecting it outright without consideration can be seen as disrespectful. | |
| So, while `建议` translates to "suggestion," it often carries a slightly greater sense of seriousness and constructive intent than its English counterpart. | |
| ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== | |
| `建议` is an incredibly versatile word used across all levels of formality. | |
| * **Informal / Daily Life:** Used constantly among friends and family for simple plans. | |
| * `我建议我们今天吃火锅。` (I suggest we eat hot pot today.) | |
| * `对于去哪里旅行，你有什么建议吗？` (Do you have any suggestions for where to travel?) | |
| * **Formal / Business Context:** A cornerstone of professional communication. It's used in meetings, emails, and reports to propose ideas and strategies. | |
| * `这是我们对项目下一步的建议。` (This is our recommendation for the next phase of the project.) | |
| * `我建议我们重新评估一下风险。` (I suggest we re-evaluate the risks.) | |
| * **As a Noun vs. a Verb:** | |
| * **Verb:** `我建议你...` (I suggest that you...) - This is a very common and polite sentence pattern. | |
| * **Noun:** `我有一个建议。` (I have a suggestion.) `你的建议很好。` (Your suggestion is very good.) | |
| The connotation of `建议` is almost always neutral or positive. It is a tool for constructive communication. | |
| ===== Example Sentences ===== | |
| * **Example 1:** | |
| * 我接受你的**建议**。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wǒ jiēshòu nǐ de **jiànyì**. | |
| * English: I accept your suggestion. | |
| * Analysis: A simple and direct sentence using `建议` as a noun. This is a common and positive response in both casual and formal settings. | |
| * **Example 2:** | |
| * 医生**建议**我多休息，少工作。 | |
| * Pinyin: Yīshēng **jiànyì** wǒ duō xiūxi, shǎo gōngzuò. | |
| * English: The doctor advised me to rest more and work less. | |
| * Analysis: Here, `建议` is used as a verb for professional advice. It's softer and more polite than a command like "You must rest." | |
| * **Example 3:** | |
| * 关于这个问题，你有什么好的**建议**吗？ | |
| * Pinyin: Guānyú zhège wèntí, nǐ yǒu shéme hǎo de **jiànyì** ma? | |
| * English: Regarding this problem, do you have any good suggestions? | |
| * Analysis: A classic way to politely ask for input. The phrase `有什么建议吗？` (Do you have any suggestions?) is extremely useful. | |
| * **Example 4:** | |
| * 我**建议**大家开会前先看一下这份文件。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wǒ **jiànyì** dàjiā kāihuì qián xiān kàn yīxià zhè fèn wénjiàn. | |
| * English: I suggest that everyone take a look at this document before the meeting. | |
| * Analysis: Using `建议` as a verb in a professional context to guide a group's actions. It's a standard phrase for managers and team leaders. | |
| * **Example 5:** | |
| * 他的**建议**听起来很不错，我们可以试试。 | |
| * Pinyin: Tā de **jiànyì** tīng qǐlái hěn bùcuò, wǒmen kěyǐ shìshi. | |
| * English: His suggestion sounds pretty good, we can give it a try. | |
| * Analysis: Shows how to react to a suggestion. `听起来不错` (sounds good) is a common collocate with `建议`. | |
| * **Example 6:** | |
| * 我们强烈**建议**您提前预订座位。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wǒmen qiángliè **jiànyì** nín tíqián yùdìng zuòwèi. | |
| * English: We strongly recommend that you book your seats in advance. | |
| * Analysis: The adverb `强烈` (qiángliè - strongly) can be used to add emphasis, making the suggestion more urgent. This is common in formal notices. | |
| * **Example 7:** | |
| * 谢谢你的**建议**，我会认真考虑的。 | |
| * Pinyin: Xièxiè nǐ de **jiànyì**, wǒ huì rènzhēn kǎolǜ de. | |
| * English: Thank you for your suggestion, I will consider it seriously. | |
| * Analysis: This is the perfect polite response when receiving advice, even if you don't plan to follow it. It shows respect for the person and their input. | |
| * **Example 8:** | |
| * 我不**建议**你在晚上一个人去那里。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wǒ bù **jiànyì** nǐ zài wǎnshàng yīgè rén qù nàlǐ. | |
| * English: I don't recommend you go there alone at night. | |
| * Analysis: Demonstrates the negative form. `不建议` (bù jiànyì) is a clear but polite way to advise against a certain action. | |
| * **Example 9:** | |
| * 他给我提了一个非常有建设性的**建议**。 | |
| * Pinyin: Tā gěi wǒ tíle yīgè fēicháng yǒu jiànshèxìng de **jiànyì**. | |
| * English: He gave me a very constructive suggestion. | |
| * Analysis: The phrase `有建设性的` (yǒu jiànshèxìng de - constructive) is a great adjective to use with `建议` in formal or professional contexts. | |
| * **Example 10:** | |
| * 我的**建议**是，我们应该改变策略。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wǒ de **jiànyì** shì, wǒmen yīnggāi gǎibiàn cèlüè. | |
| * English: My suggestion is that we should change our strategy. | |
| * Analysis: The pattern `我的建议是...` (My suggestion is...) is a very clear and direct way to state your proposal, especially when presenting an idea to a group. | |
| ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== | |
| A common pitfall for learners is not distinguishing `建议` from other related words. | |
| * **`建议 (jiànyì)` vs. `意见 (yìjiàn)` - Suggestion vs. Opinion** | |
| * **`建议`** is a **proposal for future action**. It's constructive and forward-looking. (e.g., "I suggest we leave at 8 AM.") | |
| * **`意见 (yìjiàn)`** is an **opinion, view, or feedback**, often about a current situation or a past action. It can sometimes carry a critical tone. (e.g., "I have a different opinion on this plan," or "The clients had some complaints/opinions.") | |
| * **Incorrect:** `~~我对他有很多建议。~~` (If you mean "I have a lot of complaints about him.") | |
| * **Correct:** `我对他有很多意见。` (I have a lot of complaints/opinions about him.) | |
| * **Correct:** `我对他有一个建议：他应该多听听别人的想法。` (I have a suggestion for him: he should listen more to others' ideas.) | |
| * **`建议 (jiànyì)` vs. `劝告 (quàngào)` - Suggestion vs. Urging** | |
| * **`建议`** is neutral. You suggest a friend try a new restaurant. | |
| * **`劝告 (quàngào)`** is much stronger, like "to urge" or "to admonish." It implies you think the person is on a wrong path and you are earnestly persuading them to change for their own good. You would `劝告` a friend to quit smoking. Using `劝告` for a simple suggestion would sound overly dramatic. | |
| * **Don't Overuse `你应该 (nǐ yīnggāi)` - "You should"** | |
| * In English, "You should try this cake" is a friendly suggestion. In Chinese, `你应该` can sound preachy or like a command. A much more common and polite alternative is to frame it as a suggestion: `我建议你尝尝这个蛋糕。` (I suggest you try this cake.) | |
| ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== | |
| * [[意见]] (yìjiàn) - Opinion, view, feedback. What you think about something, which might include criticism. | |
| * [[提议]] (tíyì) - To propose; a proposal. More formal than `建议`, often used for making a motion in a meeting. | |
| * [[推荐]] (tuījiàn) - To recommend. Used specifically for endorsing something you think is good (a person, book, movie, restaurant). | |
| * [[劝告]] (quàngào) - To urge, admonish. Stronger, more personal advice aimed at changing someone's behavior. | |
| * [[忠告]] (zhōnggào) - Sincere, heartfelt advice. Very formal and serious, often given by a mentor or elder out of loyalty. | |
| * [[主意]] (zhǔyi) - Idea, plan. More informal and spontaneous. "I have an idea!" is `我有一个主意!`. | |
| * [[看法]] (kànfǎ) - Point of view, a way of looking at something. A neutral term for someone's perspective. | |
| * [[指点]] (zhǐdiǎn) - To give pointers or guidance. Typically from a senior/expert to a junior/novice. | |