Learn a Chinese Character - 核 (Hé - Core; nucleus; pit; stone; kernel)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 木/mù (tree/wood) + 亥/hài (12th earthly branch)

Stroke Count: 10 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Hé (Second tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning: Core; nucleus; pit; stone (of fruit); kernel

Extended Meaning: Center; essence; core part; nuclear; check; verify

Additional Notes: Used in both literal and figurative senses, including in scientific terms related to atomic energy and nuclear science

4. Common Words

• 核心 (hé xīn) - Core; center

  这个问题的核心很简单。 (Zhège wèntí de héxīn hěn jiǎndān.) - The core of this problem is very simple.

• 核能 (hé néng) - Nuclear energy

  核能是一种清洁能源。 (Hénéng shì yī zhǒng qīngjié néngyuán.) - Nuclear energy is a clean energy source.

• 核桃 (hé táo) - Walnut

  每天吃几个核桃对大脑好。 (Měitiān chī jǐ gè hétáo duì dànǎo hǎo.) - Eating a few walnuts every day is good for the brain.

• 核对 (hé duì) - Check; verify

  请核对一下这些数据。 (Qǐng héduì yīxià zhèxiē shùjù.) - Please check these data.

• 原子核 (yuán zǐ hé) - Atomic nucleus

  原子核由质子和中子组成。 (Yuánzǐhé yóu zhìzǐ hé zhōngzǐ zǔchéng.) - The atomic nucleus is composed of protons and neutrons.

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech: Noun, verb, adjective

Usage:

• As a noun: Refers to the core, center, or essential part of something

  这是问题的核心。 (Zhè shì wèntí de héxīn.) - This is the core of the problem.

• As a verb: Means to check or verify something

  请核对一下名单。 (Qǐng héduì yīxià míngdān.) - Please check the list.

• As an adjective: Used to describe something related to the nucleus or core

  这是核技术。 (Zhè shì hé jìshù.) - This is nuclear technology.

Common Structures:

• 核心 + Noun: The core of something (核心问题 - core issue)
• Noun + 核: The core part of something (原子核 - atomic nucleus)
• 核 + Verb: Actions related to checking (核对 - check and verify)

Notes: When used in scientific terms like "核能" (nuclear energy) or "核武器" (nuclear weapons), it specifically refers to nuclear phenomena.

6. Cultural Background

In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of "核" (core) has philosophical significance, representing the essence or fundamental nature of things. The character combines "木" (tree/wood) and "亥" (the 12th earthly branch), originally referring to the pit or stone of a fruit.

In modern times, "核" has gained additional scientific connotations with the development of nuclear physics and technology. Terms like "核能" (nuclear energy) and "核武器" (nuclear weapons) have become part of everyday vocabulary.

In Chinese medicine, the concept of "核心" (core) is used to describe the essential functions of the human body. The character also appears in idioms like "合情合理" (reasonable and fair), though this uses a different character with the same pronunciation.

The character's evolution reflects how traditional Chinese characters adapt to include new scientific and technological concepts while retaining their basic structure and meaning.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

1. Structure Memory: Remember that "核" consists of "木" (wood/tree) and "亥" (12th earthly branch). Think of a fruit pit (core) found inside a tree's fruit.
2. Semantic Association: Associate "核" with words like "核心" (core), "核能" (nuclear energy), and "核桃" (walnut) to remember its different meanings.
3. Image Memory: Imagine a hard nut inside a fruit - this represents the concept of a core or pit.
4. Stroke Order Practice: Practice writing the character following the correct stroke order: 横、竖、撇、点、点、横、竖、横折、撇、竖弯钩.
5. Common Phrases: Learn common phrases containing "核" such as "核心竞争力" (core competitiveness) and "核对信息" (verify information) to reinforce your memory.