Category: Chinese Grammar

Write 南(nán)(south) in Chinese character

南(nán)
Origin: “南”原来是乐器名和乐舞名。从字形上看像一种钟形乐器,上端有纽可以悬挂。后来多表示南方的“南”。“南” was originally the name of an instrument and dance. The character itself resembles a bell-shaped instrument that could be hung by a button in the top. Later, it became to be used as the word for “south.”

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Write 获(huò)(win) in Chinese character

获(huò)
Origin: 甲骨文中,“获”的字形像一只手抓住了鸟,本义是“捕获”,现在也有“得到”、“赢得”的意思。
On ancient oracle bone inscriptions, “获” looks likes a hand catching a bird, so its original meaning is “to capture.” Now it also has the meaning of “to get” or “to win.”
Meaning:

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