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B1 noun, adjective #2,000 most common 8 min read

健康

jiankang Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 健康 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 健康 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '健康' (jiànkāng) is introduced as a basic adjective to describe a person's physical state. Learners should focus on the simple sentence structure 'Subject + 很 + 健康' (Subject is very healthy). At this stage, it is often paired with '身体' (shēntǐ - body) to form the common phrase '身体健康'. Students learn this primarily in the context of family and self-introductions, such as saying 'My parents are very healthy' (我的爸爸妈妈很健康). The goal is to recognize the word in spoken greetings and use it to describe basic well-being. It's important to distinguish it from '好' (hǎo - good), as '健康' specifically refers to health rather than general goodness. Simple opposites like '生病' (shēngbìng - to be sick) are also taught alongside it to provide contrast. Visual aids often show people exercising or eating fruit to represent the concept. By the end of A1, a student should be able to wish someone '身体健康' during a holiday.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of '健康' to describe habits and lifestyle choices. The word starts appearing as an adjective modifying nouns, such as '健康饮食' (healthy diet) or '健康习惯' (healthy habits). Students learn to use it with the particle '的' (e.g., 健康的生活). The context shifts from just 'being healthy' to 'doing things that are healthy'. At this level, '健康' is frequently used in discussions about daily routines, hobbies (like sports), and food. Learners are expected to understand simple advice like '多喝水对健康有好处' (Drinking more water is good for health). They also begin to see '健康' as a noun in simple structures, such as '为了健康' (for the sake of health). The vocabulary around '健康' grows to include '运动' (exercise), '蔬菜' (vegetables), and '休息' (rest).

At the B1 level (the target level for this word), '健康' is used in more complex grammatical structures and broader contexts. Learners are expected to use it to discuss '心理健康' (mental health) in addition to physical health. The word appears in discussions about social issues, work-life balance, and environmental impact on well-being. B1 students should be comfortable using '健康' in comparisons (e.g., 这种生活方式比以前更健康) and in resultative or potential complements. They also learn fixed collocations like '健康检查' (check-up) and '健康保险' (health insurance). In writing, B1 learners use '健康' to argue for certain lifestyles or to describe the state of a community. The metaphorical use of '健康' to describe an economy or a relationship might start to appear in reading materials. This level requires a nuanced understanding of when to use '健康' versus '身体'.

At the B2 level, '健康' is used fluently in abstract and professional contexts. Learners can discuss '公共健康' (public health) policies, the '健康发展' (healthy development) of industries, and '健康的竞争' (healthy competition). The word is no longer just about personal wellness but about the 'health' of systems and societies. B2 students can use '健康' to express complex opinions in debates, such as the trade-off between economic growth and public health. They are familiar with formal synonyms and related terms like '亚健康' (sub-health, a common Chinese concept of being between healthy and sick). Their vocabulary includes sophisticated collocations like '损害健康' (to damage health) or '促进健康' (to promote health). At this stage, the learner can read news articles or academic abstracts where '健康' refers to ecological health or the stability of financial markets.

At the C1 level, '健康' is integrated into high-level discourse involving philosophy, advanced economics, and complex social critiques. The learner understands the cultural and historical weight of the characters '健' and '康'. They can analyze the '健康' of a political system or the '健康' of a language's evolution. C1 learners use the word with precision in formal speeches and academic papers, often employing it in rhetorical questions or sophisticated metaphors. They are also aware of idiomatic expressions and classical allusions related to health. The distinction between '健康' and more formal terms like '康泰' (kāngtài) or '体健' (tǐjiàn) is clear. They can discuss the '健康' of a culture's moral fabric or the '健康' of a digital ecosystem with ease, using the word as a versatile tool for evaluation.

At the C2 level, a learner's use of '健康' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They can appreciate the word's use in literature, where it might be used ironically or with deep symbolic meaning. They understand the nuances of '健康' in different dialects or historical periods of Chinese. In professional medical or psychological contexts, they use '健康' with absolute technical accuracy, navigating the subtle differences between '健康状态' (health status) and '健康水平' (health level). They can write comprehensive reports on '全民健康' (national health) or '全球健康治理' (global health governance). For a C2 learner, '健康' is not just a vocabulary word but a conceptual lens through which they can analyze and describe the vitality and functionality of any complex entity, from a biological organism to a global civilization.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

健康 in 30 Seconds

健康 (jiànkāng) means 'health' or 'healthy', covering physical, mental, and metaphorical wellness.
It functions as both a noun and an adjective, often paired with degree adverbs like '很'.
Commonly used in greetings like '身体健康' (Wishing you good health).
Extends to abstract concepts like 'healthy economy' or 'healthy competition' in formal contexts.

The term 健康 (jiànkāng) is a foundational concept in the Chinese language, serving as both a noun and an adjective. At its most literal level, it describes the physical and mental state of being free from illness, injury, or pain. However, its semantic range extends far beyond mere biology. In modern Mandarin, it encapsulates the holistic idea of 'wellness'—a balance between the body, the mind, and the environment. When used as an adjective, it describes things that are beneficial to one's well-being, such as a 'healthy diet' (健康的饮食) or a 'healthy lifestyle' (健康的生活方式). As a noun, it refers to the abstract state of health itself, often appearing in formal contexts like 'public health' (公共健康) or 'mental health' (心理健康).

Physical Dimension: Refers to the absence of disease and the optimal functioning of bodily organs. It is the most common usage in daily life.

Metaphorical Dimension: In academic and economic discourse, it describes the robustness or stability of systems, such as the 'health of the economy' (经济健康) or 'healthy development' (健康发展).

祝你身体健康！(Wishing you good health!)

Historically, the character 健 (jiàn) implies strength, vigor, and the ability to persist, while 康 (kāng) suggests peace, ease, and a lack of obstacles. Together, they form a word that represents not just the absence of the negative, but the presence of positive vitality. In the context of B1 learners, understanding that '健康' can modify both people and abstract concepts is crucial. For instance, a 'healthy atmosphere' (健康的气氛) in a workplace is just as valid as a 'healthy body'.

心理健康和身体健康同样重要。(Mental health is just as important as physical health.)

Linguistic Nuance: While '身体' (shēntǐ) means 'body', the phrase '身体健康' is the standard way to say 'physically healthy' or 'health of the body'.

In summary, 健康 is a versatile term that bridges the gap between biological survival and societal prosperity. Whether you are discussing a medical report, a workout routine, or the growth of a startup, this word provides the necessary framework to describe vitality and soundness. Its high frequency in HSK 3/4 and CEFR B1 materials makes it an essential building block for any intermediate learner seeking to discuss lifestyle, society, or personal well-being.

Using 健康 correctly requires understanding its dual role as an adjective and a noun. In its adjectival form, it often follows the degree adverb '很' (hěn) or '非常' (fēicháng). For example, '他的生活方式很健康' (His lifestyle is very healthy). When it functions as a noun, it often acts as the object of verbs like '保持' (bǎochí - to maintain) or '损害' (sǔnhài - to damage).

As an Adjective: Used to describe people, habits, or systems. Example: 健康的饮食 (A healthy diet).

多吃蔬菜对身体很健康。(Eating more vegetables is very healthy for the body.)

When modifying a noun directly, the particle '的' (de) is typically used, though it can be omitted in established compound nouns like '健康食品' (health food). In more formal or academic writing, you will see it paired with abstract nouns to indicate a state of proper functioning. For instance, '健康的竞争' (healthy competition) refers to competition that encourages growth rather than destruction.

As a Noun: Used as a subject or object. Example: 健康是最大的财富 (Health is the greatest wealth).

吸烟有害健康。(Smoking is harmful to health.)

In professional settings, particularly in medicine or social sciences, '健康' is used in specific collocations. '健康检查' (jiànkāng jiǎnchá) means a physical check-up. '健康保险' (jiànkāng bǎoxiǎn) means health insurance. Understanding these fixed phrases is key to moving from B1 to B2 proficiency. Furthermore, when discussing the economy, '健康' is often used to describe growth that is sustainable and not reliant on bubbles or debt.

Common Verb Pairings: 保持 (maintain), 恢复 (recover), 损害 (damage), 关注 (pay attention to).

Finally, remember the cultural context of '身体健康'. It is one of the most common well-wishes in China, especially during the Lunar New Year. It is polite, versatile, and always appropriate for people of all ages. By mastering these patterns, you can discuss everything from personal habits to global policy with clarity and precision.

You will encounter 健康 in a wide variety of environments, ranging from the most casual family dinner to the most formal government report. Its ubiquity makes it one of the 'high-value' words for any Chinese learner. In daily life, the most common place to hear it is in greetings and well-wishes. When visiting an elder or writing a card, '祝您身体健康' (Wishing you good health) is the gold standard of polite expressions.

In the Media: News broadcasts frequently discuss '公共健康' (public health) issues, especially regarding pollution, food safety, or disease prevention.

专家建议我们要保持健康的作息时间。(Experts suggest we maintain a healthy daily routine.)

In the workplace, particularly in modern tech companies or 'wellness-conscious' environments, you'll hear about '心理健康' (mental health) and '工作与生活的平衡' (work-life balance) as part of a '健康' corporate culture. HR departments might organize '健康讲座' (health seminars) or provide '健康津贴' (health allowances). In these contexts, the word signals a modern, progressive approach to management.

In Academic/Economic Reports: Economists use '健康' to describe market conditions. A '健康的市场' (healthy market) is one with transparent regulations and steady growth.

为了房地产市场的健康发展，政府出台了新政策。(For the healthy development of the real estate market, the government introduced new policies.)

Furthermore, in the education sector, schools emphasize the '身心健康' (physical and mental health) of students, often contrasting it with the pressure of exams. If you are listening to a podcast about self-improvement or watching a documentary on longevity in places like Okinawa or Bama, '健康' will be the thematic anchor of the entire discussion. Recognizing its use in these diverse fields—from biology to finance—is a hallmark of a B1 learner moving toward B2.

Even though 健康 seems straightforward, English speakers often make specific errors due to direct translation. The most frequent mistake is using '健康' where '身体' (shēntǐ - body) or '舒服' (shūfu - comfortable/well) is more appropriate. For example, if you want to say 'My health is not good,' you should say '我的身体不太好' rather than '我的健康不太好', although the latter is technically understood, it sounds unnatural.

Mistake 1: Confusing Health with Body: Incorrect: 我的健康很好。 Correct: 我的身体很好。 (My health/body is good.)

错误：他生病了，现在不健康。正确：他生病了，现在身体不舒服。(He is sick and doesn't feel well.)

Another common error is using '健康' to respond to someone sneezing. In English, we say 'Bless you!', but in Chinese, there is no direct equivalent using '健康'. You might say '感冒了吗？' (Have you caught a cold?) or simply nothing. Using '健康' in this context would be confusing to a native speaker.

Mistake 2: Redundancy: Avoid saying '健康的身体健康'. Just say '身体健康' or '健康的身体'.

错误：这种药对你的健康有健康。正确：这种药对你的健康有好处。(This medicine is good for your health.)

Lastly, learners often struggle with the word order when using '健康' as an adjective. Remember that while '健康食品' is okay, for longer descriptions, you need '的'. For example, '一种非常健康的生活方式' (A very healthy lifestyle). Also, be careful not to confuse '健康' (health) with '健身' (jiànshēn - to work out/fitness). While related, '健身' is the activity you do to achieve '健康'.

To truly master 健康, you must distinguish it from several closely related terms. Chinese has a rich vocabulary for well-being, and choosing the right word depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The most common 'competitor' for '健康' is '身体' (shēntǐ), which literally means 'body' but is used in many contexts where English uses 'health'.

健康 vs. 身体 (shēntǐ): '健康' is the state; '身体' is the physical vessel. You 'wish someone body health' (身体健康), not just 'health'.

他的身体很强壮，所以非常健康。(His body is very strong, so he is very healthy.)

Another similar word is 卫生 (wèishēng). While '健康' refers to the state of health, '卫生' refers to hygiene or sanitation. You go to a '卫生间' (washroom) to stay '卫生', which helps you stay '健康'. In public policy, '公共卫生' (public health/sanitation) and '公共健康' (public health) are often used together but have slightly different focuses.

健康 vs. 康复 (kāngfù): '康复' is a verb/noun meaning 'to recover' or 'rehabilitation'. It is the process of returning to a state of '健康'.

手术后，他需要一段时间来康复，以恢复健康。(After surgery, he needs time to recover to regain his health.)

Finally, consider 安康 (ānkāng). This is a more formal and traditional word, often used in holiday greetings (like 端午节安康). It combines 'peace' (安) and 'health' (康). While '健康' is the standard modern term, '安康' carries a more poetic, well-wishing tone. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that fits the register—whether you're talking to a doctor, a gym buddy, or an elderly relative.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Adjectives as Predicates

The particle '的' in Attributives

Preposition '为了' (for the sake of)

Comparison with '比'

Resultative Complements

Examples by Level

我身体很健康。

I am very healthy (physically).

Subject + 身体 + 很 + 健康.

祝你身体健康！

Wish you good health!

Standard well-wish phrase.

他不健康，他生病了。

He is not healthy; he is sick.

Negative form using '不'.

我的爸爸很健康。

My dad is very healthy.

Simple possessive + adjective.

你健康吗？

Are you healthy?

Simple question with '吗'.

多吃水果很健康。

Eating more fruit is very healthy.

Verb phrase as subject.

我们要健康。

We want to be healthy.

Using '要' for desire/necessity.

她是健康的。

She is healthy.

Using '的' at the end for emphasis.

健康的生活很重要。

A healthy life is very important.

Adjective + 的 + Noun.

我喜欢健康的饮食。

I like a healthy diet.

Object of the verb '喜欢'.

为了健康，我每天运动。

For health, I exercise every day.

Using '为了' to show purpose.

这种食物不健康。

This kind of food is not healthy.

Demonstrative + Measure Word + Noun.

你应该有健康的习惯。

You should have healthy habits.

Using '应该' (should).

健康是第一位的。

Health is the first priority.

Noun as subject.

他看起来很健康。

He looks very healthy.

Using '看起来' (looks like).

多喝水对健康有好处。

Drinking more water is good for health.

对...有好处 (is good for...).

心理健康和身体健康一样重要。

Mental health is as important as physical health.

A 和 B 一样 + Adj.

我们需要保持健康的作息时间。

We need to maintain a healthy schedule.

Verb '保持' + Noun phrase.

由于压力大，他的健康出了问题。

Due to high pressure, his health had problems.

Using '由于' (due to).

你应该关注自己的健康。

You should pay attention to your own health.

Verb '关注' (pay attention to).

这种运动有助于身体健康。

This kind of exercise helps physical health.

有助于 (contributes to/helps).

他在医院做健康检查。

He is having a health check-up at the hospital.

Compound noun '健康检查'.

健康的生活方式可以预防疾病。

A healthy lifestyle can prevent diseases.

Verb '预防' (prevent).

为了家人的健康，他戒烟了。

For his family's health, he quit smoking.

Possessive phrase + Noun.

政府非常重视公共健康问题。

The government attaches great importance to public health issues.

重视...问题 (attach importance to...).

良好的心态是健康的基础。

A good mindset is the foundation of health.

...是...的基础 (is the foundation of).

过度劳累会严重损害健康。

Overwork will seriously damage health.

Adverb '严重' + Verb '损害'.

我们要促进国民经济的健康发展。

We must promote the healthy development of the national economy.

Metaphorical use of '健康'.

这种竞争是健康的，能激发潜力。

This competition is healthy; it can stimulate potential.

Describing abstract concepts.

许多年轻人处于“亚健康”状态。

Many young people are in a 'sub-health' state.

Cultural term '亚健康'.

健康保险为我们提供了保障。

Health insurance provides us with security.

Subject-Verb-Object structure.

他致力于研究环境与健康的关系。

He is committed to studying the relationship between environment and health.

致力于 (be committed to).

一个健康的社会应该包容不同的声音。

A healthy society should tolerate different voices.

Societal metaphor.

我们需要构建一个健康的生态系统。

We need to build a healthy ecosystem.

Ecological use.

长期的焦虑会侵蚀人的身心健康。

Long-term anxiety will erode one's physical and mental health.

Verb '侵蚀' (erode).

确保金融体系的健康运行至关重要。

Ensuring the healthy operation of the financial system is crucial.

至关重要 (crucial).

这篇文章探讨了网络文化的健康性。

This article explores the healthiness of internet culture.

Suffix '-性' for abstract nouns.

他晚年生活得很健康，精神矍铄。

He lived very healthily in his later years, full of vigor.

Using '得' as a complement of degree.

这种做法违背了健康发展的原则。

This practice violates the principles of healthy development.

Verb '违背' (violate).

身心健康是衡量生活质量的重要指标。

Physical and mental health is an important indicator for measuring quality of life.

Formal academic structure.

健康的本质在于人与自然的和谐共生。

The essence of health lies in the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.

Philosophical '在于' (lies in).

我们需要审视这种消费模式是否健康。

We need to examine whether this consumption pattern is healthy.

Verb '审视' (examine/scrutinize).

该政策旨在维护全球公共卫生安全与健康。

The policy aims to maintain global public health security and health.

Formal '旨在' (aims to).

他的思想非常健康，没有任何偏激之辞。

His thinking is very healthy, without any extreme remarks.

Describing ideology.

我们要警惕那些损害青少年心理健康的因素。

We must be vigilant against factors that damage the mental health of teenagers.

Verb '警惕' (be vigilant).

一个健康的法治环境是企业发展的基石。

A healthy rule-of-law environment is the cornerstone of corporate development.

Legal/Business metaphor.

他以健康的体魄和顽强的意志完成了挑战。

He completed the challenge with a healthy physique and tenacious will.

Formal '体魄' (physique).

这种文学作品传递了健康向上的价值观。

This literary work conveys healthy and positive values.

Fixed phrase '健康向上'.

Synonyms

强壮健全卫生康健

Antonyms

生病虚弱残疾

Common Collocations

身体健康

心理健康

健康饮食

健康检查

健康保险

健康生活

健康发展

损害健康

保持健康

恢复健康

Common Phrases

祝你健康

身心健康

公共健康

健康状况

健康习惯

健康教育

健康食品

健康常识

健康长寿

健康咨询

Often Confused With

健康 vs 身体

健康 vs 卫生

健康 vs 健身

Idioms & Expressions

"身强体壮"

"长命百岁"

"延年益寿"

"生龙活虎"

"红光满面"

"神采奕奕"

"安然无恙"

"平平安安"

"健步如飞"

"龙马精神"

Easily Confused

健康 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

metaphor

Can be used for economies, markets, and social climates.

distinction

Don't confuse '健康' (health) with '卫生' (hygiene).

Common Mistakes

Tips

Adjective Usage

When using '健康' as an adjective to describe a person, always use '很' or another degree adverb.

New Year Wishes

During Chinese New Year, '身体健康' is one of the most polite things you can say to anyone.

Healthy Eating

Use '健康饮食' to talk about a balanced diet. It's a very common B1-level topic.

Formal Contexts

In essays, use '损害健康' (damage health) instead of '对健康不好' for a more professional tone.

News Keywords

Listen for '健康' in news about the environment; it often links pollution to health.

Mental Health

Don't forget '心理健康'. It's increasingly important in Chinese conversations today.

Character Breakdown

Remember '健' has the 'person' radical. Health starts with the person!

Health vs Body

Think: '身体' is the car, '健康' is how well the car is running.

Fixed Phrases

Memorize '健康检查' as a single unit for 'medical check-up'.

Abstract Health

Use '健康' to describe a 'healthy atmosphere' (健康的气氛) in a team.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

To be JIAN-KANG, you need to be strong (Jian) and calm (Kang).

Word Origin

Cultural Context

Health is seen as a balance of internal organs and external environment.

Always use '身体健康' for elders; it shows great respect.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你觉得什么样的生活方式最健康？"

"为了保持健康，你平时做哪些运动？"

"你认为心理健康和身体健康哪个更重要？"

"你们国家的健康保险制度怎么样？"

"现在的年轻人健康状况如何？"

Journal Prompts

描述你理想中的健康生活。

写一写你最近为了健康做出的改变。

讨论一下现代社会对人们健康的挑战。

如果你是一个医生，你会给病人什么健康建议？

分析一下压力是如何影响健康的。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is grammatically correct but sounds less natural than '我的身体很好'. Native speakers prefer using '身体' to refer to their personal health state.

It refers to a 'sub-health' state where a person feels unwell or fatigued due to stress but doesn't have a diagnosable disease. It's a very common term in modern China.

Yes, '心理健康' (xīnlǐ jiànkāng) is the standard term for mental health and is widely used in schools and workplaces.

The most common way is '祝你身体健康' (Zhù nǐ shēntǐ jiànkāng).

Yes, in formal contexts, you can say '经济健康发展' (the economy is developing healthily).

'健康' means free from illness, while '强壮' means physically strong or muscular. You can be healthy without being strong.

No, '健康' is only a noun or an adjective. To say 'to become healthy', use '变得健康' or '恢复健康'.

Yes, it refers to health foods or organic/nutritious foods.

Yes, '健康的社交关系' means healthy social relationships.

It is '公共健康' (gōnggòng jiànkāng) or '公共卫生' (gōnggòng wèishēng).