元素

• Pinyin: yuán sù
• Hanzi breakdown: 元 = 二 + 儿, meaning primary/original; 素 = 糸 (silk) + 十 + 主, meaning simple/element

Meaning

Element; component; factor. A fundamental part or constituent of something.

Used in both scientific and abstract contexts. In chemistry: 化学元素 (chemical element), 元素周期表 (periodic table). In general use: 设计元素 (design element), 文化元素 (cultural element), 关键元素 (key element). A versatile word for components.

Examples

1. 这部电影融合了悬疑、爱情、喜剧等多种元素。 This movie blends multiple elements including suspense, romance, and comedy.
2. 水是由氢和氧两种元素组成的。 Water is composed of two elements: hydrogen and oxygen.
3. 中国传统文化元素在现代设计中越来越受欢迎。 Traditional Chinese cultural elements are becoming increasingly popular in modern design.

Usage Guide

Context: science, design, analysis

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 这个设计包含很多民族元素。(This design incorporates many ethnic elements.)
• 铁是一种化学元素。(Iron is a chemical element.)

Don't Say

• 这是一个元素的苹果 — 元素不能这样做定语，要说'苹果是一种食物元素'或用其他表达

Origin & History

Compound of 元 (primary, fundamental) + 素 (simple, element). Originally used for basic substances, now extended to any fundamental component.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal