Deconstruct 2
Chinese nouns can be formed by combining words. For example, 火山 huǒ shān (volcano) = 火 (fire) + 山 (mountain). Similarly, at the word level, simple units are combined to give rise to the word. Hence, if we take Chinese words apart i.e. Deconstruct them, we may be able to unveil the meaning of the word by looking at the component units. In Part 1, 4 “top-&-bottom” words were covered. Today we have 3 other words and they all have to do with 心.
The word 心 xīn means the heart. It can also refer to the mind, spirit, intention, attitude (as the heart, in ancient days, was believed to be the seat of intelligence, thoughts and emotions). Hence, it's easy to imagine how 心 can be combined with a wide range of units to form an even wider range of words. Here are 3 examples:
1. An image in your heart
If you are thinking of something, it's like keeping a mental image of that object / item in your mind. That's the underlying idea for this word.
2. A sound in your heart
意 jiān refers to meaning or intent. The base component is 心 while the top is 音 yīn (sound). Your intention behind doing or saying something is like a sound in your inner heart prompting you to do so. It's like that little voice in your head rationalizing things "for you" isn't it?
3. A knife pressing on your heart
Endure! Tahan! Imagine a blade pressing down on your heart. That's what it means to 忍 !
(the top component 刃 rèn refers to the blade of a knife)
Hope you enjoy breaking down these words and unveiling their meaning.
心 is such a common word that I'm sure you can find several more words to deconstruct.
Look out for more in subsequent posts (tag: Deconstruct).