纪念
jinian
To commemorate in Chinese is 纪念 (jinian).
The verb 纪念 is used to honor the memory of someone or something. You can also use it to form the word for 'souvenir', which is 纪念品 (formed by adding the word for object or item, 品, to the verb).
Meaning: to honor the memory of someone or something (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 纪念 is composed of 记 (jì), meaning to remember or record and 念 (niàn), meaning to think of or miss.
Which one should you use?
While 纪念 is used for the formal act of commemorating a person or an event, the term 想念 is used to express the personal feeling of 'missing' someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a verb, 纪念 can be used directly with an object, such as 纪念伟人 (commemorate a great person).
How do you pronounce it?
jinian
Did you know?
- The character 念 (niàn) originally depicted a mouth under a heart, symbolizing the act of thinking of someone deeply or reciting words from the heart.
- In Chinese culture, the act of 纪念 often involves specific ritual offerings like incense or food, transforming a mental memory into a physical interaction with the deceased.
- There is a subtle distinction where 纪念 can be used for a celebration of a positive anniversary, whereas 缅怀 (miǎnhuái) is used for a more mournful or solemn commemoration.
Examples in context
- 我们将纪念这位伟大的国家领导人。We will commemorate this great national leader.
- 我们将庆祝我们学校成立100周年。We will commemorate the 100th anniversary of our school's establishment.
- 让我们铭记那些为自由而牺牲的人们。Let us commemorate those who sacrificed for freedom.
- 我们去纪念一下今天的胜利吧。Let's commemorate today's victory.
- 每年的这个日期，我们都会去祭奠我爷爷。Every year on this date, we go to commemorate my grandfather.
- 我们要纪念这位伟大的艺术家。Wǒmen yào jìniàn zhè wèi wěidà de yìshùjiā.We need to commemorate this great artist.
- 校庆是为了纪念学校的建立。Xiàoqìng shì wèi le jìniàn xuéxiào de jiànlì.The school anniversary is to commemorate the establishment of the school.
Example conversation
Two friends are walking through a memorial park.
- 俊杰 Junjie这个雕塑是为了纪念他吗？Zhège diāosù shì wèi le jìniàn tā ma?Is this sculpture to commemorate him?
- 梓涵 Zihan是的，它纪念了他的贡献。Shì de, tā jìniàn le tā de gòngxiàn.Yes, it commemorates his contributions.
- 俊杰 Junjie梓涵，我觉得这里很庄严。Zǐhán, wǒ juédé zhèlǐ hěn zhuāngyán.Zihan, I think this place is very solemn.
- 梓涵 Zihan我也这么觉得，俊杰。Wǒ yě zhème juédé, Jùnjié.I feel the same way, Junjie.
