Keywords: 劝, quàn, persuade in Chinese, advise in Chinese, urge in Chinese, how to use quan, Chinese verb quan, quan vs jianyi, 劝 and 建议, Chinese culture advice,勸
Summary: Learn the Chinese verb 劝 (quàn), which means to advise, persuade, or urge. This guide explores its deep cultural significance in showing care and maintaining harmony, distinguishing it from a simple suggestion. Discover how to use 劝 in everyday situations, from encouraging a friend to rest to warning them against a bad habit, with practical examples and common mistakes for English-speaking learners.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): quàn
Part of Speech: Verb
HSK Level: HSK 3
Concise Definition: To advise, persuade, or urge someone to do or not do something, usually out of concern.
In a Nutshell:劝 (quàn) is an active verb of influence. It's not just about giving a neutral suggestion; it's about trying to change someone's mind or behavior. The motivation behind 劝 is typically positive—it comes from a place of care, concern, or responsibility for the other person's well-being. It can range from a gentle nudge (“I urge you to get some rest”) to a strong warning (“I'm advising you to quit smoking”).
Character Breakdown
劝 (quàn): This character is a combination of two components:
又 (yòu): Originally a pictogram of a right hand, it often relates to actions done by hand or repeated actions.
力 (lì): This character means “power,” “strength,” or “effort.”
The combination beautifully illustrates the meaning: using “strength” or “effort” (力) with your “hand” (又)—or metaphorically, with your words—to influence or guide someone. You are actively applying effort to persuade them.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, giving and receiving 劝 (quàn) is deeply tied to the concepts of 关系 (guānxi) (relationships) and social harmony. It is often seen as a duty or a sign of deep care among family members, close friends, and even respected colleagues.
Contrast with Western “Advice”: In many Western cultures, giving unsolicited advice can be seen as intrusive, preachy, or “telling someone what to do.” While this can also be true in China if done poorly, 劝 is generally more accepted and even expected within close relationships. It's a way of showing you are invested in the other person's life and welfare. For example, a child is expected to listen when an elder 劝s them, as it's a sign of filial piety and respect. Refusing to 劝 a friend who is making a mistake could be seen as a sign of indifference.
Maintaining Harmony:劝 is often used to guide someone back towards a sensible or socially acceptable path, thereby maintaining group harmony. If someone is being too hot-headed in a discussion, a friend might 劝 them to calm down, not just for their own sake, but for the good of the group.
Practical Usage in Modern China
劝 (quàn) is an extremely common verb in daily life. Its connotation depends entirely on the context, tone, and relationship between the speakers.
Gentle Encouragement: Used between friends and family to show care. For example, persuading someone to eat more, sleep earlier, or wear more clothes when it's cold. This is a very warm and positive usage.
Serious Warning: Used to urge someone to stop a bad habit like smoking, drinking too much, or gambling. Here, the tone is more serious and carries more weight.
Mediation: The compound 劝架 (quànjià) specifically means “to mediate a fight” or “to urge people to stop quarreling.”
Workplace: A manager might 劝 an employee to reconsider a rash decision, or colleagues might 劝 each other to take a break.
Potential Negative: If someone is constantly trying to 劝 you about every little thing, it can feel like nagging or being overly controlling.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
医生劝他戒烟。
Pinyin: Yīshēng quàn tā jièyān.
English: The doctor advised him to quit smoking.
Analysis: This is a classic, straightforward example. The doctor is using their authority and expertise to urge the patient to change a harmful behavior.
English: When those two are arguing, it's best if you don't go and try to mediate.
Analysis: In this context, 劝 is a shortened form of 劝架 (quànjià). It means to intervene and try to persuade them to stop fighting.
Example 5:
我怎么劝他，他都不听。
Pinyin: Wǒ zěnme quàn tā, tā dōu bù tīng.
English: No matter how I try to persuade him, he just won't listen.
Analysis: The structure “怎么劝… 都不…” (zěnme quàn… dōu bù…) is a common way to express a failed attempt at persuasion, emphasizing the stubbornness of the other person.
English: My mom is always urging me to wear more clothes, I feel she's a bit naggy.
Analysis: This highlights the potential negative feeling associated with receiving too much 劝, even when the intention is good.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`劝 (quàn)` vs. `建议 (jiànyì)`: This is the most critical distinction for learners.
劝 (quàn): To persuade/urge. Implies a desired outcome and is often used when you think the other person is doing something wrong or not doing something right. It's relational and carries emotional weight.
Use `劝` when: Advising someone to quit a bad habit, reconcile a relationship, or do something for their own health/safety. (e.g., 我劝你别抽烟了。 - I urge you to stop smoking.)
建议 (jiànyì): To suggest/recommend. It's more objective, neutral, and like offering an option or a piece of information for consideration. There's less emotional investment.
Use `建议` when: Recommending a restaurant, suggesting a travel plan, or proposing a solution in a meeting. (e.g., 我建议我们明天去长城。- I suggest we go to the Great Wall tomorrow.)
Reason: This sounds too strong, as if you're trying to correct the person's behavior for not eating the dish. It's not a moral or health issue.
Correct: 我建议你尝尝这个菜，很好吃。(Wǒ jiànyì nǐ chángchang zhège cài, hěn hǎochī.) - “I recommend you try this dish, it's delicious.”
Related Terms and Concepts
建议 (jiànyì) - To suggest; to recommend. More neutral and objective than 劝.
说服 (shuōfú) - To convince; to talk someone into something. This term focuses on the successful result of persuasion. If you 劝 someone and they agree, you have 说服ed them.
劝告 (quàngào) - To advise; to exhort. A more formal and serious noun/verb, often used in written contexts or by people in authority (like a teacher's formal advice).
劝说 (quànshuō) - To persuade; to advise. Emphasizes the process of using speech to persuade someone. Very similar to 劝, but slightly more formal.
劝酒 (quànjiǔ) - A specific verb for urging someone to drink alcohol, a key part of Chinese drinking culture.
劝架 (quànjià) - A specific verb for stepping in to stop a fight or argument.
忠告 (zhōnggào) - Sincere advice; a heartfelt warning. This is a noun that describes the *content* of the advice, emphasizing its loyalty and sincerity.
提醒 (tíxǐng) - To remind. A much lighter action than 劝. It's about jogging someone's memory, not changing their behavior.