节

• Pinyin: jié
• Hanzi breakdown: 节 — simplified from 節; original form shows bamboo (⺮) over a phonetic component, representing bamboo joints

Meaning

Festival; section; segment; measure word for classes or lessons. A versatile word used for holidays, divisions, and counting lessons.

As a noun, refers to holidays and festivals (春节, 中秋节). As a measure word, counts class periods (一节课 — one class period) or sections (一节车厢 — one train car). Also used in 节约 (to save, be thrifty).

Examples

1. 今天上午有三节课。 There are three class periods this morning.
2. 中国有很多传统的节。 China has many traditional festivals.
3. 这节课我们学新的生词。 In this class we are learning new vocabulary.

Usage Guide

Context: school, holidays, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 下一节课是数学。(The next class period is math.)
• 春节是中国最重要的节。(Spring Festival is China's most important holiday.)

Don't Say

• 不要把节和假混用 (Don't confuse 节 with 假 — 节 is the festival itself, while 假 is the time off or vacation)

Origin & History

Originally depicted a bamboo joint or node. Extended to mean segments, sections, and eventually festivals (as divisions of the year).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal