Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
建议(建議)jiànyì(jian4yi4)
建议 (jiànyì) means 'to propose' or 'to suggest' and is used when offering ideas or recommendations to someone. It can refer to formal proposals in a business context or informal suggestions among friends. The nuance of this word implies a sense of offering advice rather than imposing an opinion.
Frequency#817DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, giving suggestions (建议) is often seen as a way to show care and concern for others' well-being. It reflects the value placed on community and interpersonal relationships.
Memory Tip
Think of 建 (jiàn) as 'building' and 议 (yì) as 'discussion'; together they suggest 'building a discussion' about ideas. Imagine a group of people constructing a debate around a table, where each suggestion helps in building the structure of their conversation.
Meanings of 建议
jiànyì(jian4yi4)
1to propose
2to suggest
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 建议
建议Simplified
建議Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#817Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 建议
Podcast: 建议
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 建议
Quick Contrast
建议 (jiànyì) vs 提议 (tíyì) — use 建议 for softer, advisory suggestions, while 提议 implies a more formal or assertive proposal.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 建 (jiàn) as 'building' and 议 (yì) as 'discussion'; together they suggest 'building a discussion' about ideas. Imagine a group of people constructing a debate around a table, where each suggestion helps in building the structure of their conversation.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 建议 with related terms like 提议 (tíyì), which is more formal and focused on proposals. This word is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but it’s best to use it in polite conversation. Be aware of the tones; mispronouncing the tones can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 建议 connects well with other verbs for suggesting or stating opinions, such as 说 (shuō) and 提 (tí). Focus on practicing sentences that involve giving and receiving suggestions to solidify your understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, giving suggestions (建议) is often seen as a way to show care and concern for others' well-being. It reflects the value placed on community and interpersonal relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 建议 by using it in contexts where a more formal term like 提议 would be appropriate. For example, saying '我有一个建议' (I have a proposal) in a very formal meeting could be better expressed with 提议.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 建议
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 建议 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 建议 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 建议
建议 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Substantial numbers of rank and file members ignored their union's advice.
7
这儿有几条帮助作出选择的建议。
zhè ér yǒu jī tiáo bāng zhù zuò chū xuǎn zé de jiàn yì。
Here are a few pointers to help you make a choice.
8
两个领导被这个建议搞晕了。
liǎng gè lǐng dǎo bèi zhè gè jiàn yì gǎo yùn le。
The two leaders were flummoxed by the suggestion.
9
我建议你尽量不要食用加工好的食品。
wǒ jiàn yì nǐ jìn liáng bù yào shí yòng jiā gōng hǎo de shí pǐn。
I recommend that you avoid processed foods whenever possible.
10
我提个建议好吗？
wǒ tí gè jiàn yì hǎo ma？
Can I make a suggestion ?
Cultural Notes for 建议
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, giving suggestions (建议) is often seen as a way to show care and concern for others' well-being. It reflects the value placed on community and interpersonal relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about 建议
建议 (jiànyì) is generally more informal and about suggestions, while 提议 (tíyì) is more formal and related to official proposals.
Yes, 建议 is appropriate for use in business emails when offering suggestions or recommendations.
You can express agreement, ask for clarification, or offer your own suggestions in response.
