kǎi
剀
pertinent; earnest; admonish
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesadjective
pertinent; to the point; earnest and sincere
literaryUsed in literary or formal contexts to describe speech or writing that is direct and hits the mark. Often appears in the compound 剀切.
Qí其
yán言
cí辞
kǎi剀
qiè切
，
shēn深
zhòng中
kěn肯
qìng綮
。
His words were earnest and to the point, striking right at the heart of the matter.
Kǎi剀
qiè切
chén陈
cí词
，
wú无
suǒ所
gù顾
jì忌
。
He stated his case earnestly and frankly, without any reservations.
verb
to admonish; to remonstrate; to advise earnestly
literaryA formal literary term meaning to criticize or advise someone, often those in power, in a sincere but indirect or tactful manner.
Yǐ以
shī诗
kǎi剀
fěng讽
dāng当
dào道
。
He used poetry to admonish those in power.
Zhōng忠
chén臣
kǎi剀
jiàn谏
，
bù不
gù顾
qí其
shēn身
。
Loyal ministers remonstrate earnestly, caring not for their own safety.