Understanding "健康" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 健康
• Pinyin: jiàn kāng
• Literal Meaning: "健" (jiàn) means "strong" or "robust," and "康" (kāng) means "well-being" or "peace." Together, they form the concept of "health."
• Primary Meaning: "Health" (both physical and mental well-being).

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "健康" is a broad term used to describe general health, including physical fitness, mental wellness, and overall vitality.
• It can be used as a noun (e.g., "关心健康" - "care about health") or an adjective (e.g., "健康的生活" - "healthy lifestyle").

• In greetings, you might hear "祝你健康" (zhù nǐ jiànkāng), meaning "Wish you good health."

• Character Breakdown:

• 健 (jiàn): Originally depicted a person standing firmly, symbolizing strength and vigor.
• 康 (kāng): Represents peace, comfort, and freedom from illness. Historically, it referred to a state of prosperity and well-being.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 运动对健康很重要。
   Pinyin: Yùndòng duì jiànkāng hěn zhòngyào.
   English: Exercise is very important for health.

2. Chinese: 她每天吃水果，保持健康。
   Pinyin: Tā měi tiān chī shuǐguǒ, bǎochí jiànkāng.
   English: She eats fruit every day to stay healthy.

3. Chinese: 心理健康和身体健康一样重要。
   Pinyin: Xīnlǐ jiànkāng hé shēntǐ jiànkāng yīyàng zhòngyào.
   English: Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Cultural Notes

• In Chinese culture, health is deeply tied to balance (e.g., yin-yang harmony) and preventive care, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices like acupuncture or herbal remedies.
• Greetings like "你身体好吗？" (Nǐ shēntǐ hǎo ma? - "How is your health?") reflect the cultural emphasis on well-being.

Conclusion

"健康" (jiànkāng) is a fundamental word in Chinese, encompassing both physical and mental health. Remember its characters: "健" for strength and "康" for peace, together forming the idea of holistic well-being. Use it to discuss lifestyles, give blessings, or emphasize wellness!