jiànyì: 建议 - Suggestion, Recommendation, Advice

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

`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 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.

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.)

• 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.