top of page

Deconstruct 3

By now you should be getting the hang of deconstructing Chinese words.

When we take Chinese words apart, we may be able to decipher their meaning from the parts.

In Part 2 earlier, we covered 3 words that used 心 xīn as the component unit.

Today we turn our attention to another body part. The mouth 口 kǒu, and the related 言 yán (meaning "words"), can likewise serve as building units to be combined with others.

1. NO + Mouth

NO + mouth = to deny

To have 不 sitting on top of 口, it's a clear sign of someone saying "No!"

And that is the meaning of the resultant word 否 fǒu, which is to deny or negate.

2. Words not to be broken

Pinky swear

shì is an oath or pledge. The base is 言 yán while the top is 折 zhé (to bend or break or twist).

Words that cannot be bent or broken or twisted.. that's exactly an oath isn't it?

3. Words of caution, respectfully given

Words of caution to be respected

jǐng means to warn or caution.

For example, 警告 jǐng gào is a warning or alert. 警方 jǐng fāng refers to the Police Force.

The top part is the word 敬 jìng (to respect) while the bottom is 言 yán (words).

Think of it as words (言) given for one to respect (敬) the rules.. or else.. bear the consequences..

Drop me a note if you find this series helpful, or if you have words to suggest.

Look out for subsequent posts (tag: Deconstruct).

RECENT POSTS:
SEARCH BY TAGS:
No tags yet.
bottom of page