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Summary: Learn the crucial Chinese character 救 (jiù), which means “to save” or “to rescue.” This guide breaks down its meaning, cultural significance, and practical use in modern China. From emergency calls like 救命 (jiùmìng!) to understanding words like 救护车 (jiùhùchē) for “ambulance,” this entry provides clear examples and explains the critical difference between using 救 (jiù) for urgent situations and 帮 (bāng) for general help.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): jiù
Part of Speech: Verb
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: To save or rescue someone or something from a situation of danger, harm, or difficulty.
In a Nutshell:救 (jiù) is a word of high stakes and urgency. It's not about casual assistance; it's about intervention in a critical situation. Think of firefighters pulling someone from a burning building, a doctor saving a patient's life, or a lifeguard rescuing a swimmer. The feeling is one of immediate, necessary action to prevent a terrible outcome.
Character Breakdown
The character 救 (jiù) is a phono-semantic compound, meaning it's made of parts that give clues to both its sound and meaning.
求 (qiú): On the left, this character means “to seek,” “to request,” or “to beg.” It provides a hint of the pronunciation and the semantic idea of someone being in need and seeking help.
攵 (pū): On the right, this radical is a variant of 攴, which is often associated with action, tapping, or striking. It represents the active, physical intervention required to perform a rescue.
Together, they form a powerful image: taking action (攵) in response to a plea or desperate need (求).
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, the act of 救 (jiù) is deeply tied to concepts of heroism, social responsibility, and compassion. Stories of selfless individuals who risk their own safety to 救 (jiù) others are cornerstones of moral education. This aligns with a collectivist value system where the well-being of the group and its members is paramount.
Comparison to “Save” in English: This is a crucial point for learners. The English word “save” is incredibly broad. You can “save money,” “save a file,” “save time,” or “save a seat.” The Chinese word 救 (jiù) is highly specific to rescuing from danger. Using 救 (jiù) to mean “save money” (存钱 cún qián or 省钱 shěng qián) or “save a file” (保存 bǎocún) is a common but major mistake for beginners. 救 (jiù) implies a life, a person, or a critical situation is at stake.
Practical Usage in Modern China
Emergency Situations: This is the primary context for 救 (jiù). The most important phrase a learner can know for safety is 救命啊 (jiùmìng a)! - “Help me! / Save my life!” It is a universal distress call.
Compound Words for Services: Many essential services and concepts are built with 救 (jiù).
救火 (jiùhuǒ): To fight a fire (literally “save from fire”)
急救 (jíjiù): First aid (literally “urgent rescue”)
救援 (jiùyuán): Rescue operation (a more formal term for organized rescue efforts)
Figurative Usage: While less common in daily conversation, 救 (jiù) can be used figuratively to mean “saving” a company from bankruptcy, a project from failure, or a relationship from collapse. In these cases, it's often part of a compound word like 挽救 (wǎnjiù).
Example Sentences
Example 1:
救命啊！有人掉进水里了！
Pinyin: Jiùmìng a! Yǒu rén diào jìn shuǐ lǐ le!
English: Help! Someone fell into the water!
Analysis: This is the most classic and urgent use of 救. The particle 啊 (a) adds to the sense of urgency and alarm.
Analysis: The reduplication of the verb, 救救 (jiùjiu), softens the tone slightly and adds a sense of urgency, like a strong plea for help. While being locked out isn't life-threatening, this phrasing is used for dramatic or comedic effect to emphasize the speaker's desperation.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`救 (jiù)` vs. `帮 (bāng)` - The Golden Rule: This is the most common pitfall for learners.
救 (jiù): Use for life-or-death situations, serious danger, or emergencies. (Fire, drowning, medical emergency).
帮 (bāng) / 帮助 (bāngzhù): Use for general help, assistance, or favors. (Carrying bags, helping with homework, giving directions).
Incorrect: `你能救我做作业吗？` (Nǐ néng jiù wǒ zuò zuo yè ma?) - This sounds absurd, as if your homework is about to kill you.
Correct: `你能帮我做作业吗？` (Nǐ néng bāng wǒ zuò zuo yè ma?) - “Can you help me with my homework?”
“Saving” Money, Time, or Files: As mentioned earlier, do not use 救 (jiù) for these concepts. It is a “false friend” to the English word “save” in these contexts.
To save money:省钱 (shěng qián) or 存钱 (cún qián) (to deposit/save up)
To save time:省时间 (shěng shíjiān)
To save a computer file:保存 (bǎocún)
Related Terms and Concepts
帮助 (bāngzhù) - The general term for “help” or “assistance.” Use this for non-emergency situations where you would use 救 (jiù).
救援 (jiùyuán) - A more formal term for “rescue,” often referring to organized, large-scale relief efforts (e.g., after a natural disaster).
挽救 (wǎnjiù) - To save or rescue something from the brink of failure, often used for abstract things like a reputation, a company, or a relationship.
拯救 (zhěngjiù) - To save or redeem. This word carries a grander, more profound meaning, often used in religious contexts (to save a soul) or for saving humanity.
急救 (jíjiù) - First aid; emergency medical treatment.
救命 (jiùmìng) - “Save life!”; the most common and direct cry for help in a dangerous situation.
救护车 (jiùhùchē) - Ambulance, the vehicle used for rescue.
得救 (déjiù) - To be saved; the state of having been successfully rescued.
救星 (jiùxīng) - “Savior” or “liberator,” literally a “saving star.” Used to describe a person who arrives just in time to solve a difficult problem.