经验 (jīngyàn)

经验 refers to experience gained through practice, repeated activity, or life events, as opposed to theoretical knowledge.

Meanings

[noun] experience, practical knowledge gained from doing something

Example Sentences

他有多年的工作经验。 Tā yǒu duō nián de gōngzuò jīngyàn. He has many years of work experience.

这次旅行给了我很多宝贵的经验。 Zhè cì lǚxíng gěi le wǒ hěn duō bǎoguì de jīngyàn. This trip gave me a lot of valuable experience.

缺乏经验的人容易犯错。 Quēfá jīngyàn de rén róngyì fàn cuò. People who lack experience tend to make mistakes.

他愿意把自己的经验分享给年轻人。 Tā yuànyì bǎ zìjǐ de jīngyàn fēnxiǎng gěi niánqīng rén. He is willing to share his experience with young people.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
工作经验 (gōngzuò jīngyàn)	work experience
积累经验 (jīlěi jīngyàn)	to accumulate experience
分享经验 (fēnxiǎng jīngyàn)	to share experience
缺乏经验 (quēfá jīngyàn)	to lack experience

Usage Notes

经验 is an uncountable noun referring to general life and practical experience. It differs from 经历 (jīnglì), which refers to a specific experience or set of experiences one has lived through. For example, 工作经验 is general work experience, while 一段特别的经历 is a specific memorable experience.

Memory Hook

经 means "to go through" and 验 means "to verify/test" — 经验 is knowledge that has been "tested by going through" real situations.