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
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
誓 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
警 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).