Category: Chinese Grammar

参（cān/shēn）
Origin: “参”最初是星宿的名称。字形是在人的头上有几颗星，后来又加上三道斜线，表示星光。现在“参”字多表示“参加”、“加入”的意思。The original meaning of “参” was the name of the constellation. The character looked like a person’s head with several stars surrounding it. Later, three slashes were added to represent starlight. Today, it means “to attend” or “to join.”

门（mén） Origin: 甲骨文的“门”是两扇门的样子，十分形象。简体字把它精简成了门框的样子。后来“门”也有途径、诀窍、分类的意思，一些负面的事件可以说“XX门”，比如美国的水门事件。
On oracle bone inscriptions, the character “门” looks like a pair of doors; it was later simplified to its appearance more like a doorframe. Later, it also came to mean a way of doing something, a secret to success, or a classification. It can also be used as “XX 门” to describe scandals like Watergate (水门).

精气神儿 (Jíng qì shénr) essence, breath, spirit Usage: “精”“气”“神”原是道家术语，古代道家认为精气神是人生命活动得以维持的三件宝,对三者的养护极为重视。现泛指一个人的精神状态。
“精,” ”气,” and “神” are Daoist terms. The ancient Daoists considered these concepts as the three key factors to keep the human body alive and healthy, so they put great emphasis on protecting them. Nowadays, “精,” “气,” and “神” refer to a person’s mental condition.

羔（gāo）
Origin:
字形的上部是“羊”，下部是“火”，表示用火烤羊。最美味的烤羊是用小羊烤，因而“羔”字指“小羊”。The upper part is “羊” and the lower part is “火,” which together mean to roast a sheep over a fire. Roasted lamb is the most delicious kind of mutton, so “羔” refers to lambs.