Common Meanings
1
jiàn鉴
A mirror, often referring to a precious or ancient one.
这面宝鉴，工艺精湛，光可鉴人。
This precious mirror has exquisite craftsmanship, bright enough to reflect people clearly.
To reflect, to mirror, or to shine upon and make clear, as if reflecting an image.
湖水清澈，连水底的石头都清晰可鉴
The lake water is so clear that even the stones at the bottom are clearly visible.
To observe, inspect, appraise, or learn from; also used in formal salutations in letters or to mean 'in view of' or 'considering'.
鉴于天气预报有雨，我们决定把郊游计划推迟。
In view of the rainy weather forecast, we decided to postpone our picnic.
Something that can serve as a warning or lesson, often used in phrases like 'learn from experience' or 'a lesson from the past'.
过去的失败是前车之鉴，我们应该从中吸取教训，避免再次犯错。
Past failures are a lesson from the past; we should learn from them and avoid making the same mistakes again.