Water is the source of life, an element of profound significance in both the natural world and the realm of human culture. In the Chinese language, the character for water, 水 (ㄕㄨㄟˇ – shuǐ), holds a special place as one of the most basic and essential symbols. Beyond its linguistic role, the character 水 carries profound insights into the Chinese understanding of the world and the importance of harmony and balance. This article explores the character 水, delving into its structure, symbolism, and cultural significance.
Character Insight
The character for water derives from the depiction of swirling water, which can be clearly seen in its bone script. The character later evolved into a more star-like shape, often resembling a drop of water or a splash of water to aid memorization.
The modern character consists of 4 strokes and remains the same in both traditional and simplified Chinese.
When used as a radical and placed on the left-hand side of a compound character, it takes the form of three “drops of water.”
Structure and Symbolism
The character 水 visually mirrors the fluidity and clarity of water. It embodies the principles of yin and yang, representing adaptability, balance, and the power to shape. Water, one of the Five Elements (五行, ㄨˇ ㄒㄧㄥˊ – wǔ xíng), sustains life, symbolizing harmony and the essential role it plays in the natural world.
Chinese Vocabulary Containing the Character 水
Here is a list of Chinese words containing the character 水, both as a standalone character and as a radical in a compound character.
| Chinese | Bopomofo | Pinyin | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 海洋 | ㄏㄞˇ ㄧㄤˊ | hǎiyáng | Ocean |
| 河流 | ㄏㄜˊ ㄌㄧㄡˊ | héliú | River |
| 池塘 | ㄔˊ ㄊㄤˊ | chítáng | Pond |
| 湖泊 | ㄏㄨˊ ㄅㄛˊ | húpō | Lake |
| 雨水 | ㄩˇ ㄕㄨㄟˇ | yǔshuǐ | Rainwater |
| 沙灘 | ㄕㄚ ㄊㄢ | shātān | Beach |
| 清水 | ㄑㄧㄥ ㄕㄨㄟˇ | qīngshuǐ | Clear water |
| 洗手間 | ㄒㄧˇ ㄕㄡˇ ㄐㄧㄢ | xǐshǒujiān | Bathroom |
| 水果 | ㄕㄨㄟˇ ㄍㄨㄛˇ | shuǐguǒ | Fruit |
The Chinese character for water, 水, is a beautifully crafted symbol that encapsulates the essence of this life-giving element. Its structure and symbolism reflect the deep connection between water and the Chinese understanding of balance, purity, and adaptability.
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