Meaning: cloud Origin: 古文“云”，字形像漂浮在空中的云朵，上有云层，下有缭绕的云团。“云”字由于后来借为“说”义，为了区别，在“云”上加了“雨”，表示本义云彩，简体字又恢复为“云”。 The ancient character of “云” resembled cloud in the air with cloud layer above and cloud cluster below. Later,“云” was expressed by the meaning of “say”, so the character of “雨”, which was used to distinguish Continue Reading

Structure : Subject + 没有 + Noun Meaning: 没有 (méiyǒu) means “to not have” and can be used to express that someone or something lacks something else. This can be used to express a lack of something tangible, like a Continue Reading

Meaning: ordinary; commonplace; all; altogether Origin: 这是最早的“盘”字，像一个盘子的形状，后来本义不存在了，多用于“大都”、“凡是、概括”的意思，又引申为“平常”、“平凡”。 This is the earliest form of the character “盘” (plate), as it resembles the shape of a plate. Over time, it lost this meaning, and now means mostly, all, as well as normal Continue Reading

Meaning: red; loyal; sincere; bare Origin: “赤”字原来由“大”、“火”二字组成，因为火是红色的，所以“赤”的本义是“红色”，“赤”也有“无”“纯净”“裸露”的意思。 “赤” is composed of two characters: “大” (large) and “火” (fire). Because fire is red, that was the original meaning of “赤.” Today, it can also mean nothingness, purity, and nakedness. Words:    Continue Reading

Meaning: To separate ; scatter ; depart ; distinguish Origin: 甲骨文中，“分”的外面是个“八”字，当中是一把“刀”，意思是用刀把一个东西切开，所以“分”的本义是“分开”，后来“分”也有“散” “离” “区别”的意思。 On oracle bone inscriptions, the character “分” has two parts: a “八” on the outside and a “刀” (knife) on the inside, meaning to cut something with Continue Reading

Meaning: deer Origin: “鹿”是个象形字，甲骨文的“鹿”有鹿角，鹿的大眼睛，尖尖的嘴和鹿的身子，并且这只鹿是在奔跑的状态。 “鹿” is a pictograph, and on oracle bone inscriptions is made of antlers, big eyes, a nose and body. It resembles a running deer. Words:    指鹿为马 (zhǐ lù wéi mǎ): to deliberately distort the truth Continue Reading

Meaning: open; awaken; start Origin: 甲骨文的“启”是一只手把一扇门打开，本义是“开”，后来引申为“开始”“开导”“陈述”等意思。 As it appears on oracle bone inscriptions, “启” looks like a hand opening a door, so its original meaning was to open. Later, that definition expanded to include concepts of to start, to enlighten, Continue Reading

Meaning: thunder; mine; surname Lei Origin: 甲骨文“雷”字中间的曲线是打雷时伴随着的闪电，用圆形表示雷的响声，后人又在上面加上“雨”字表示雷多在雨天出现。 On oracle bone inscriptions, the character “雷” has a curve in the middle representing lightning, while the exterior circle signifies thunder. Later, the character “雨” (rain) was added, as thunder often appears on Continue Reading

Meaning: standing grain (esp. rice); millet Origin: 甲骨文的字形像一株已经成熟的庄稼，沉甸甸的谷穗把上端压弯了，向下低垂着。“禾”的本义是“谷子”，后引申为其他粮食作物。 On oracle bone inscriptions, “禾” looks like crops ready for harvest, the heavy ears weighing the stalk down. The original meaning is millet, which then extended to other crops. Words:    禾苗 Continue Reading

Meaning: certainly；necessarily；have to；must； Origin: 甲骨文“必”字像一把有长柄的水勺子，旁边有水滴。“必”是“柲”（bì,义为“柄”）的本字，现在多用于指“一定”、“必须”。 On oracle bones inscriptions, “必” looks likes a water spoon with a long handle and water droplets beside it. “必” is the original version of “柲,” and now is more used as “certain” or “must.” Continue Reading