Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
君子jūnzǐ(jun1zi3)
君子 (jūnzǐ) refers to a person of noble character, often embodying virtues such as integrity, righteousness, and moral strength. In Confucian philosophy, it denotes an ideal person who behaves ethically and serves as a moral exemplar in society. The term is commonly used in both historical texts and modern discussions about personal development and ethics.
Frequency#12149DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Confucianism, the concept of 君子 is central to the ideal of self-cultivation, where individuals strive for moral excellence in their personal and social lives. This term reflects the high regard for ethics in Chinese culture and the emphasis on role models.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'gentleman' (君子) standing tall and proud, like a noble knight. The character 君 consists of a 'ruler' or 'lord' (君) on top, indicating authority or nobility, while 子 represents 'child' or 'offspring', suggesting that a true gentleman instills noble values in the next generation.
Meanings of 君子
jūnzǐ(jun1zi3)
1nobleman
2person of noble character
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 君子
君子Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#12149Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 君子
Podcast: 君子
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 君子
Quick Contrast
君子 (jūnzǐ) vs 小人 (xiǎorén) — use 君子 when referring to a person of noble character, while 小人 denotes a person of low moral standing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'gentleman' (君子) standing tall and proud, like a noble knight. The character 君 consists of a 'ruler' or 'lord' (君) on top, indicating authority or nobility, while 子 represents 'child' or 'offspring', suggesting that a true gentleman instills noble values in the next generation.
Usage Notes
君子 is often used in formal contexts, particularly in literature and philosophy. Common mistakes include confusing it with 小人 (xiǎorén), which means 'petty person' or 'villain'. Be mindful of the tone; saying 君子 without proper context can sound overly pretentious.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 君子 connects with other terms related to morality and character, such as 仁 (rén, benevolence) and 德 (dé, virtue). Focus on understanding its philosophical implications in Confucian texts, which may enrich your vocabulary and comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Confucianism, the concept of 君子 is central to the ideal of self-cultivation, where individuals strive for moral excellence in their personal and social lives. This term reflects the high regard for ethics in Chinese culture and the emphasis on role models.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 君子 with 小人 (xiǎorén), leading to incorrect usage in context. For example, saying '他是个君子' (He is a petty person) is incorrect; the correct phrase would be '他是个小人'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 君子
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 君子 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 君子 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 君子
君子 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 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
那个自己坦白的瘾____在13个月前被逮捕。
The self-confessed drug addict was arrested 13 months ago.
Example Sentences for 君子 (7)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
那个自己坦白的瘾君子在13个月前被逮捕。
nà gè zì jǐ tǎn bái de yǐn jūn zǐ zài13 13 gè yuè qián bèi dài。
The self-confessed drug addict was arrested 13 months ago.
2
他只有24岁，却是个瘾君子。
tā zhī yǒu24 24， suì ， què shì gè yǐn。
He's only 24 years old and a drug addict.
3
那人真是个令人作呕的伪君子！
nà rén zhēn shì gè líng rén zuò ǒu de wěi jūn zǐ！
What a revolting humbug the man was!
4
谢谢您—您是个真正的君子。
xiè xiè nín— — nín shì gè zhēn zhèng de jūn。
Thank you—you're a real gentleman.
5
" 我的绿眼睛伪君子,那是你的办法, 是不是?
" " wǒ de lǜ yǎn jīng wěi jūn, zǐ , nà shì nǐ de, bàn fǎ ,?
" That's your system, isn't it, my green - eyed hypocrite?
6
在这次雅集中,这批仁人君子争得面红耳赤,喝得醉意淋漓.
zài zhè cì yǎ jí zhōng, , zhè pī rén rén jūn zǐ zhēng dé miàn hóng ěr, chì , hē dé zuì yì.
In Confucianism, the concept of 君子 is central to the ideal of self-cultivation, where individuals strive for moral excellence in their personal and social lives. This term reflects the high regard for ethics in Chinese culture and the emphasis on role models.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
The concept of a 'gentleman' in Western cultures often emphasizes manners and social status, while 君子 in Chinese culture focuses more on moral integrity and ethical behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions about 君子
君子 specifically refers to a moral and ethical person, while other terms might denote social status without the moral implications.
Traditionally, 君子 refers to men, but in modern usage, it can be used to describe anyone embodying noble character, regardless of gender.
Yes, 君子 carries a positive connotation, but it can also be used critically in literature to contrast with the term 小人.
