Chinese Character: 含
1. Character Basics
Radical: 口/kǒu (mouth)
Stroke Count: 7 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Hán (Second tone)
3. Meaning
Basic meaning: To contain; to hold; to include
Extended meaning: To keep in the mouth; to cherish; to bear
Additional meaning: Used to describe something that includes or holds another thing
4. Common Words
- 含有 (hán yǒu): To contain; to have
Example: 这种水果含有丰富的维生素C。 (This fruit contains rich vitamin C.)
- 包含 (bāo hán): To include; to contain
Example: 这个计划包含很多细节。 (This plan includes many details.)
- 含义 (hán yì): Meaning; implication
Example: 这个词的含义很深刻。 (This word has a profound meaning.)
- 含量 (hán liàng): Content; quantity
Example: 这瓶饮料的糖含量很高。 (This drink has a high sugar content.)
- 含蓄 (hán xù): Implicit; veiled; reserved
Example: 他的表达方式很含蓄。 (His way of expression is very implicit.)
5. Grammar & Usage
Usage as a verb: Indicates that something contains or holds another thing inside.
Common structures:
- 含X: Indicates the state of containing X (e.g., 含水 hán shuǐ - to contain water)
- X含: Indicates that X contains something inside (e.g., 包含 bāo hán - to include)
Usage notes: Often used to describe components, meanings, or emotions contained within abstract or concrete things.
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, the character "含" is often associated with inner qualities and implicit expression.
In traditional aesthetics, being implicit (含蓄 hán xù) is considered a virtue, reflecting the reserved nature of Chinese culture.
The radical "口" (mouth) in its structure reflects the pictographic nature of Chinese character creation, originally representing something held in the mouth.
7. Example Sentence
Example 1:
中文: 这种水果含有丰富的维生素C。
English: This fruit contains rich vitamin C.
Example 2:
中文: 他的话里含有深意。
English: There's profound meaning in his words.
Example 3:
中文: 她总是含着微笑。
English: She always wears a smile.
8. Memory Tips
- Structure memory: The upper part is "今" (jīn - today/now), the lower part is "口" (kǒu - mouth), representing something in the mouth now.
- Association memory: Imagine holding something in your mouth.
- Context memory: Use words like "含有" (to contain) and "包含" (to include) in sentences.
- Contrast memory: Distinguish from similar characters like "合" (hé - to combine) and "念" (niàn - to think).
- Repetitive writing: Practice writing according to the correct stroke order.