B1 Collocation 격식체 2분 분량

谨慎

jǐnshèn

Cautious

직역: Careful + Discreet

15초 만에

  • A formal way to say cautious or prudent in Chinese.
  • Used for high-stakes decisions, professional settings, or serious advice.
  • Implies a thoughtful, deliberate avoidance of mistakes or risks.

It describes being careful, thoughtful, and deliberate in your actions to avoid making mistakes. It's that feeling of 'thinking twice' before you speak or act.

주요 예문

3 / 6
1

Giving financial advice

投资时一定要谨慎。

You must be cautious when investing.

2

Describing a coworker's personality

他做事一向很谨慎。

He has always been very prudent in his work.

3

Texting a friend about a secret

这件事你要谨慎处理。

You need to handle this matter with caution.

🌍

문화적 배경

The term has roots in classical texts like the 'Analects.' It reflects the traditional Chinese value of 'Zhongyong' or the Middle Way, emphasizing balance and avoiding reckless behavior. In modern times, it's a key trait praised in business and diplomacy.

💡

The 'Boss' Word

If you want your boss to think you are responsible, use `谨慎` when describing your work process. It sounds much more mature than just saying you are 'careful'.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

Don't use `谨慎` for trivial things like holding a cup of water. It makes you sound like you're in a spy movie or dealing with a bomb. Stick to `小心` for the small stuff.

15초 만에

  • A formal way to say cautious or prudent in Chinese.
  • Used for high-stakes decisions, professional settings, or serious advice.
  • Implies a thoughtful, deliberate avoidance of mistakes or risks.

What It Means

谨慎 is all about being prudent. It is more than just being 'careful' like watching your step. It is a mindset of being thorough. You use it when the stakes are a bit higher. It means you are avoiding risks by being attentive.

How To Use It

Use it as an adjective or an adverb. You can say someone is very 谨慎. You can also tell someone to act 谨慎. It often follows words like 非常 or 十分. It sounds smart and responsible. Think of it as the 'professional' version of being careful.

When To Use It

Use it in the office during big projects. Use it when giving a friend serious life advice. It is perfect for financial discussions or legal matters. If you are handling a fragile vase, you are 谨慎. If you are picking your words with a boss, you are 谨慎.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it for tiny, mindless things. If you are just holding an umbrella, don't say you are being 谨慎. That is just 小心. It is too heavy for casual, low-stakes moments. Don't use it if you are just being shy. Shyness is different from being calculated and careful.

Cultural Background

Chinese culture deeply values the concept of 'thinking thrice.' This comes from ancient Confucian wisdom. Being 谨慎 is seen as a sign of maturity. It shows you respect the consequences of your actions. It is a trait of a reliable leader or a wise elder.

Common Variations

小心谨慎 is a common four-character idiom. It means being extremely cautious and meticulous. You might also hear 言行谨慎. This specifically means being careful with your words and deeds. It is a high compliment in a professional setting.

사용 참고사항

It carries a formal and respectful tone. Use it when you want to emphasize the importance of a situation or when you want to appear professional and reliable.

💡

The 'Boss' Word

If you want your boss to think you are responsible, use `谨慎` when describing your work process. It sounds much more mature than just saying you are 'careful'.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

Don't use `谨慎` for trivial things like holding a cup of water. It makes you sound like you're in a spy movie or dealing with a bomb. Stick to `小心` for the small stuff.

💬

The Silent Power

In China, being called `谨慎` is a high compliment. It implies you are someone who can be trusted with secrets and big responsibilities.

예시

6
#1 Giving financial advice

投资时一定要谨慎。

You must be cautious when investing.

Standard use for financial or serious decision-making contexts.

#2 Describing a coworker's personality

他做事一向很谨慎。

He has always been very prudent in his work.

Describes a consistent character trait of being reliable.

#3 Texting a friend about a secret

这件事你要谨慎处理。

You need to handle this matter with caution.

Used here to emphasize the sensitivity of a situation.

#4 A humorous warning about a spicy dish

面对这碗辣椒,我必须保持谨慎。

Facing this bowl of chili, I must remain cautious.

Using a formal word for a funny, low-stakes situation.

#5 A parent talking to a child about strangers

跟陌生人说话要谨慎。

Be cautious when talking to strangers.

A serious safety warning using a weightier word than '小心'.

#6 In a formal meeting

我们需要一个更谨慎的方案。

We need a more cautious/prudent plan.

Suggesting a safer alternative in a business context.

셀프 테스트

Choose the best word to describe a doctor performing a complex surgery.

医生在手术中非常___。

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: 谨慎

Surgery requires extreme precision and caution, making `谨慎` the perfect fit.

Which word fits best when telling someone to be careful with their words?

说话要___,别得罪人。

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: 谨慎

Being 'cautious' with speech helps avoid offending others.

🎉 점수: /2

시각 학습 자료

Formality of 'Being Careful'

Informal

Watch out! (Physical)

小心!

Neutral

Pay attention / Be careful.

留神。

Formal

Prudent and deliberate.

谨慎。

Very Formal

Extremely meticulous.

谨小慎微。

When to be 谨慎 (Jǐnshèn)

谨慎
📝

Signing a Contract

Read every line.

First Date

Choosing your words.

📈

Stock Market

Investing money.

📱

Social Media

Posting opinions.

연습 문제 은행

2 연습 문제
Choose the best word to describe a doctor performing a complex surgery. Fill Blank

医生在手术中非常___。

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: 谨慎

Surgery requires extreme precision and caution, making `谨慎` the perfect fit.

Which word fits best when telling someone to be careful with their words? Fill Blank

说话要___,别得罪人。

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: 谨慎

Being 'cautious' with speech helps avoid offending others.

🎉 점수: /2

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

小心 is usually for physical safety (like 'watch out for the car!'), while 谨慎 is for mental or professional caution (like 'be prudent with this decision').

Yes! You can say 他是一个很谨慎的人 to mean he is a very cautious and reliable person.

It is almost always positive. It suggests wisdom and responsibility, though in very rare cases it could imply someone is too hesitant.

You can say 你要谨慎一点 (You should be a bit more cautious). It sounds like serious, helpful advice.

Absolutely. It is a perfect word for professional correspondence, such as 我们会谨慎考虑您的建议 (We will cautiously/carefully consider your suggestion).

It's an idiom that doubles down on the meaning. It means being extremely careful and not taking any chances.

You could say 谨慎驾驶 (drive cautiously), which sounds like a formal safety slogan you'd see on a highway sign.

No. A shy person is 害羞. A 谨慎 person might be very outgoing but just thinks carefully before they act.

Not really a slang version, but young people might just say (steady) to describe someone who is reliable and cautious.

It's better for preventing big mistakes. For small typos, 细心 (meticulous/attentive) is a better fit.

관련 표현

🔗

小心

Careful (general/physical)

🔗

细心

Attentive to detail

🔗

慎重

Serious and prudent (very formal)

🔗

大意

Careless (the opposite)

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