字

• Pinyin: zì
• Hanzi breakdown: 字 = 宀 (roof) + 子 (child) — something born/created under a roof; a written character

Meaning

Character; written word. Refers to individual Chinese characters or written symbols.

Specifically refers to individual Chinese characters. In common usage: 写字 (to write characters), 认字 (to recognise characters), 生字 (new/unfamiliar character). Can also refer to a person's name or courtesy name in classical Chinese. Not to be confused with 词 (word/term, which can be multi-character).

Examples

1. 这个字怎么读？ How do you read this character?
2. 他写的字很好看。 His handwriting is very nice.
3. 我每天学五个新字。 I learn five new characters every day.

Usage Guide

Context: education, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个字怎么写？(How do you write this character?)
• 你认识这个字吗？(Do you recognise this character?)

Don't Say

• 我学了很多字们。(Don't add 们 to 字 — 字 doesn't take the plural suffix. Say 很多字)

Origin & History

Composed of 宀 (roof) + 子 (child). Originally meant 'to give birth' (a child born under a roof), later extended to mean 'character' — something created or brought into being through writing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal