火(huǒ) as a key Building block for Chinese Characters

13 03 2024

Of the 50 Chinese Radicals that are used in creating over 65% of Chinese common characters, today, we will learn the radicals: “火(huǒ)”. This radical means fire, light, flame, or anything connected with “fire”, ”light”, or “flame”.

In Chinese culture, there are 5 properties that are used to characterize all beings in nature. “火” is one of them. Therefore, characters or words that contain this radical have or are connected with the property. It is believed that the property helps define whether one object can assist or hinder the other. (If you play Pokémon Go, you probably are familiar with the dynamics of the creatures having different properties in the game.)

Please note that “radical” is an important concept in Chinese writing. A radical may be a word when used by itself, but it can also be used (like a building block) to construct other Chinese characters. Moreover, Chinese characters can be combined to formulate new words! Thus, learning these powerful radicals can help you learn Chinese writings effectively.



Source: Wikipedia


Source: Ponddy Education


   


土 (tǔ) as a key Building block for Chinese Characters

13 03 2024

“土 (tǔ): meaning earth” is one of the 50 powerful Chinese radicals used in creating over 65% of Chinese common characters. This radical means earth, ground or soil or anything connected with “earth”. “ground”, or ”soil”.

In Chinese culture, “土” is one of the five properties “五行 (wǔxíng)“ used to characterize beings in nature. It is believed that the objects that are connected with the “土” property can help those with the “金 (jīn): meaning metal” (I.e. “土生金: from ground unearth the metal”). On the other hand, it would hinder those with property “水(shuǐ): meaning water or liquid”.

Please note that “radical” is an important concept in Chinese writing. A radical may be a word when used by itself, but it can also be used (like a building block) to construct other Chinese characters. Moreover, Chinese characters can be combined to formulate new words! Thus, learning these powerful radicals can help you learn Chinese writings effectively.


source: wikipedia


Source: Ponddy