贈言（zèng yán）

Pronunciation: zēng yán

Basic Meaning: Words of advice or encouragement given as a gift

Detailed Explanation: 贈言 refers to words of advice or encouragement that are given as a gift to someone. It implies that these words are valuable and can be treasured like a gift. It is often used to describe wise and meaningful words given by elders or experienced individuals.

Usage Scenarios: 贈言 is commonly used in situations where someone wants to offer advice, encouragement, or guidance to another person. It can be used in personal conversations, speeches, letters, or even in written works such as books or poems.

Story Origin: There is no specific story origin for the idiom 贈言, as it is a combination of two characters that have their own meanings. However, the concept of offering words of advice or encouragement as a gift has been present in Chinese culture for a long time.

Structure of the Idiom: The idiom 贈言 consists of two characters: 贈 (zèng) and 言 (yán). 贈 means "gift" or "present," while 言 refers to "words" or "speech." When combined, these characters create the meaning of "words of advice or encouragement given as a gift."

Example Sentences:

1. 他的贈言讓我受益匪淺。 (Tā de zèng yán ràng wǒ shòu yì fěi qiǎn) - His words of advice have greatly benefited me.

2. 在畢業典禮上，校長發表了一番深情的贈言。 (Zài bì yè diǎn lǐ shàng, xiào zhǎng fā biǎo le yī fān shēn qíng de zèng yán) - During the graduation ceremony, the principal delivered a heartfelt speech.

Memory Techniques: To remember the meaning of 贈言, you can associate it with the idea of receiving a gift of words. Imagine someone giving you a beautifully wrapped box, and when you open it, you find wise and encouraging words inside. This can help you remember that 贈言 refers to words of advice or encouragement given as a gift.

Extended Learning: To further understand the concept of 贈言, you can explore Chinese literature or classic texts that contain examples of wise words or advice. Additionally, you can practice using 贈言 in your own conversations or writing to enhance your understanding and fluency in Chinese.

Example Sentences from Different Age Groups:

1. Children: 我給朋友寫信時，會加上一些贈言，鼓勵他們努力學習。 (Wǒ gěi péng yǒu xiě xìn shí, huì jiā shàng yī xiē zèng yán, gǔ lì tā men nǔ lì xué xí) - When I write letters to my friends, I include some words of encouragement to motivate them to study hard.

2. Teenagers: 在比賽之前，教練給我們說了一些贈言，讓我們保持信心。 (Zài bǐ sài zhī qián, jiào liàn gěi wǒ men shuō le yī xiē zèng yán, ràng wǒ men bǎo chí xìn xīn) - Before the competition, the coach gave us some words of advice to help us stay confident.

3. Adults: 我們公司的老板經常在員工聚會上給大家送上贈言，鼓勵我們共同努力。 (Wǒ men gōng sī de lǎo bǎn jīng cháng zài yuán gōng jù huì shàng gěi dà jiā sòng shàng zèng yán, gǔ lì wǒ men gòng tóng nǔ lì) - Our company's boss often gives words of encouragement to everyone during employee gatherings, motivating us to work together.