Keywords: jiàohuì, 教诲, Chinese word for teachings, jiao hui meaning, Chinese guidance, moral instruction, parental guidance, teacher's teachings in Chinese, what does 教诲 mean, 教诲 vs 教, formal Chinese teaching
Summary: Discover the profound meaning of 教诲 (jiàohuì), a formal Chinese term for the earnest teachings and moral guidance passed down from a respected elder, teacher, or mentor. This entry explores the deep cultural value of jiàohuì, its practical use in modern China, and how it differs from simply “to teach.” It's an essential concept for understanding the Chinese emphasis on wisdom, respect, and mentorship.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): jiàohuì
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
HSK Level: HSK 6
Concise Definition: Profound teachings, instructions, or moral guidance, typically from a respected elder or authority figure.
In a Nutshell: Think of 教诲 (jiàohuì) not as teaching a subject like math or history, but as imparting life lessons, wisdom, and moral principles. It’s the kind of guidance a grandparent gives a child, or a wise mentor offers a student. The word is filled with a sense of gravity, respect, and gratitude. It's about shaping character, not just transferring information.
Character Breakdown
教 (jiào): This character means “to teach” or “instruction.” It's composed of 孝 (xiào - filial piety) and 攵 (pū - a pictograph of a hand holding a stick). This combination originally suggested the instruction of filial values, the core of traditional education.
诲 (huì): This character also means “to teach” or “to instruct.” It's composed of the speech radical 言 (yán) and 每 (měi), which means “every.” This powerfully suggests a patient and thorough instruction, where the teacher repeatedly imparts wisdom through speech until it is fully understood.
When combined, 教诲 (jiàohuì) elevates the simple act of teaching to a more profound level. It signifies patient, repeated, and morally-grounded guidance that shapes a person's life and values.
Cultural Context and Significance
教诲 (jiàohuì) is deeply rooted in Confucian values that prioritize respect for elders, teachers, and authority. The teacher-student relationship (师生关系, shīshēng guānxì) in Chinese culture is traditionally more hierarchical and reverent than in the West, and 教诲 is the precious wisdom that flows from the senior to the junior.
Comparison to Western Concepts: While “mentorship” or “guidance” are similar, they don't capture the full weight of 教诲. Western mentorship is often focused on professional development or navigating a specific career path. 教诲, however, is broader and more fundamental, concerning itself with one's moral compass, character, and proper conduct in life. It's less about “networking advice” and more about the “wisdom of the ages.” Receiving 教诲 is an honor, and remembering it is a duty of gratitude.
Practical Usage in Modern China
Formality: 教诲 is a highly formal and respectful term. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation. You'll find it more often in formal writing, speeches, literature, and when expressing sincere gratitude.
Common Contexts:
Expressing Gratitude: It's often used when thanking a teacher, parent, or mentor for their long-term guidance. For example, at a graduation ceremony or in a formal letter.
Referring to Past Wisdom: People use it to talk about the principles or life lessons they learned from their parents, grandparents, or a significant figure from the past.
As a Noun: It is most commonly used as a noun, meaning “the teachings” or “the guidance.” Example: `我永远记得老师的教诲` (I will always remember my teacher's teachings).
As a Verb: While less common, it can be used as a verb meaning “to instruct/guide.” This usage is very formal. Example: `他谆谆教诲我们要做一个正直的人` (He earnestly instructed us to be upright people).
Example Sentences
Example 1:
老师的教诲我永远不会忘记。
Pinyin: Lǎoshī de jiàohuì wǒ yǒngyuǎn bù huì wàngjì.
English: I will never forget my teacher's teachings.
Analysis: A classic and common sentence structure used to express deep respect and gratitude towards a teacher, often said long after graduation.
Example 2:
我一直铭记着父亲的教诲。
Pinyin: Wǒ yīzhí míngjì zhe fùqīn de jiàohuì.
English: I have always kept my father's guidance etched in my memory.
Analysis: This sentence emphasizes the long-lasting impact of parental guidance. `铭记 (míngjì)` means “to engrave in one's mind,” highlighting the importance of the teachings.
Example 3:
您的谆谆教诲，我至今受益匪浅。
Pinyin: Nín de zhūzhūn jiàohuì, wǒ zhìjīn shòuyì fěi qiǎn.
English: To this day, I have benefited immensely from your earnest teachings.
Analysis: `谆谆教诲 (zhūzhūn jiàohuì)` is a common four-character phrase meaning “earnest and repeated teachings.” This is a very formal and humble way to express gratitude.
Example 4:
父母的教诲是孩子人生中最宝贵的财富。
Pinyin: Fùmǔ de jiàohuì shì háizi rénshēng zhōng zuì bǎoguì de cáifù.
English: A parent's guidance is the most precious treasure in a child's life.
Analysis: This sentence treats `教诲` as an invaluable asset, reflecting the high cultural value placed on family education and moral upbringing.
Example 5:
他时常回想起导师对他的教诲，并以此为前行的动力。
Pinyin: Tā shícháng huíxiǎng qǐ dǎoshī duì tā de jiàohuì, bìng yǐ cǐ wéi qiánxíng de dònglì.
English: He often recalls his mentor's teachings and uses them as motivation to move forward.
Analysis: This shows how `教诲` is not just a memory, but an active source of inspiration and strength throughout one's life.
Example 6:
我们应当牢记先辈的教诲，努力建设我们的国家。
Pinyin: Wǒmen yīngdāng láojì xiānbèi de jiàohuì, nǔlì jiànshè wǒmen de guójiā.
English: We should firmly remember the teachings of our forefathers and strive to build our nation.
Analysis: Here, `教诲` is used on a grand, societal scale, referring to the collective wisdom passed down through generations.
Example 7:
在他的成长道路上，爷爷的教诲起到了至关重要的作用。
Pinyin: Zài tā de chéngzhǎng dàolù shàng, yéye de jiàohuì qǐdàole zhì guān zhòngyào de zuòyòng.
English: On his path of growing up, his grandfather's guidance played a crucial role.
Analysis: This highlights the formative impact of an elder's wisdom on a young person's development.
Example 8:
感谢您多年来的耐心教诲。
Pinyin: Gǎnxiè nín duōnián lái de nàixīn jiàohuì.
English: Thank you for your patient guidance over many years.
Analysis: A simple, elegant, and very formal way to thank a mentor or teacher, emphasizing the “patience” inherent in the character `诲`.
Example 9:
他把经理的教诲当成耳边风，结果犯了大错。
Pinyin: Tā bǎ jīnglǐ de jiàohuì dàngchéng ěrbiānfēng, jiéguǒ fànle dà cuò.
English: He treated the manager's guidance as in one ear and out the other, and as a result, he made a huge mistake.
Analysis: This example shows the negative consequence of ignoring `教诲`. `当成耳边风 (dàngchéng ěrbiānfēng)` is an idiom for ignoring advice.
Example 10:
我愿意聆听您的教诲。
Pinyin: Wǒ yuànyì língtīng nín de jiàohuì.
English: I am willing to listen to your teachings.
Analysis: A very humble and respectful way to show deference to a senior and indicate readiness to receive their wisdom. `聆听 (língtīng)` is a formal word for “listen respectfully.”
Nuances and Common Mistakes
教 (jiāo/jiào) vs. 教诲 (jiàohuì): This is the most critical distinction.
教 (jiāo) is the verb for teaching a specific skill or subject. It's neutral and functional.
Correct: `他教我数学。` (Tā jiāo wǒ shùxué.) - He teaches me math.
Incorrect: `他教诲我数学。` (Tā jiàohuì wǒ shùxué.) - This is wrong because `教诲` is for moral/life lessons, not academic subjects.
教诲 (jiàohuì) is for profound, moral, and life-shaping guidance. It carries deep respect.
“False Friend” with “Advice”: While `教诲` can be a form of advice, it is not the same as the general word `建议 (jiànyì)`. `建议` is a suggestion between peers or equals. You can give your friend `建议`. You cannot give your friend `教诲` unless you are in a clear position of seniority and wisdom, and even then it would sound arrogant. The power dynamic is essential to `教诲`.
Related Terms and Concepts
教导 (jiàodǎo) - To teach and guide. Similar to `教诲` but slightly less formal and profound. It can be used for more practical guidance.
指点 (zhǐdiǎn) - To give pointers or specific advice. Much more informal and focused on a particular task or skill.
教训 (jiàoxun) - Can mean “lesson” or “to teach someone a lesson.” Often carries a negative connotation of being taught through a mistake or punishment.
训诫 (xùnjiè) - To admonish or lecture. This is much stronger and more disciplinary than `教诲`.
传授 (chuánshòu) - To pass on or impart (knowledge, skills). Often used for a master passing a specific craft or technique to an apprentice.
谆谆 (zhūnzhūn) - An adverb meaning “earnestly and repeatedly.” It frequently modifies `教诲` to form the set phrase `谆谆教诲`.
师长 (shīzhǎng) - A respectful term for one's teachers and elders; the people who provide `教诲`.
启示 (qǐshì) - Revelation, inspiration, enlightenment. This is often the result of receiving profound `教诲`.