Common Meanings
1
jiān菅
To treat human lives as if they were worthless weeds; to disregard human life.
这种草菅人命的行为，最终会受到法律的严惩。
Such a blatant disregard for human life will ultimately face severe legal punishment.
A type of fragrant orchid or grass, also refers to the plant '蕑' (jiān).
君子佩菅，以示高洁
A noble person wears fragrant jian (orchid grass) to demonstrate their noble purity.
In classical Chinese, when pronounced 'jiān', '菅' is used as a homophone for '姦', meaning to commit adultery or behave licentiously, often implying moral decay resulting from neglect.
若心田荒芜，则思绪易菅
If the field of the heart is left barren, then thoughts can easily become unruly and licentious.