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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
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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
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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
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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.
To improve work efficiency, I propose that we hold a weekly meeting.
12
他建议我们在决定之前进行详细的市场调研。
Tā jiànyì wǒmen zài juédìng zhīqián jìnxíng xiángxì de shìchǎng diàoyán.
He proposed that we conduct detailed market research before making a decision.
13
会议上，她建议采取更灵活的工作时间安排。
Huìyì shàng, tā jiànyì cǎiqǔ gèng línghuó de gōngzuò shíjiān ānpái.
During the meeting, she proposed adopting a more flexible work schedule.
14
为了环保，专家建议减少一次性塑料的使用。
Wèi le huánbǎo, zhuānjiā jiànyì jiǎnshǎo yīcìxìng sùliào de shǐyòng.
For environmental protection, experts propose reducing the use of single-use plastics.
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.
