Definition
儆 (jǐng) is a formal/literary verb meaning 'to warn or admonish', often used in official or legal contexts — you will most commonly encounter it in the set phrase 以儆效尤 (yǐ jǐng xiào yóu, 'to warn others against following a bad example') and in compounds like 杀一儆百 (shā yī jǐng bǎi, 'kill one to warn a hundred'). Unlike the everyday word 警告 (jǐnggào), 儆 carries a stern, exemplary tone and appears primarily in written Chinese or formal speeches.
n
(formal) to warnto admonish (especially to deter others from repeating an offense)
Examples
- 。Zhè cì chǔfá yì zài yǐ jǐng xiào yóu.This punishment is intended to serve as a warning to others.
- ,。Yán chéng zuìfàn, yǐ jǐng xiào yóu.Severely punish the criminal to warn others against following suit.
- ,儆。Gōngsī fābù gōnggào, yǐ jǐng jiè qítā yuángōng.The company issued a notice to warn other employees.
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