Learn a Chinese Character - 横 (Héng - Horizontal; transverse; across; level; Cross; traverse; horizontal stroke (in Chinese characters); unexpected)

Chinese Character: 横

1. Character Basics

Radical: 木/mù (wood/tree) + 黄/huáng (yellow)

Stroke Count: 15 strokes

Stroke Order:

Stroke Order Animation

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Héng (Second tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning: Horizontal; transverse; across; level

Extended Meaning: Cross; traverse; horizontal stroke (in Chinese characters); unexpected

Additional Notes: This character has multiple meanings, but primarily refers to the horizontal direction or position, opposite to vertical. It is also used as a term in Chinese calligraphy to describe one of the basic strokes.

4. Common Words

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech: Adjective, noun, verb, adverb

Usage as an Adjective: When used as an adjective, "横" describes something that is horizontal or transverse.

这幅画需要横线构图。(This painting needs a horizontal composition.)

Usage as a Noun: When used as a noun, "横" can refer to a horizontal line or the horizontal stroke in Chinese characters.

这个字有三个横。(This character has three horizontal strokes.)

Usage as a Verb: When used as a verb, "横" means to lie across or to block.

大树横在路上。(A big tree is blocking the road.)

Usage as an Adverb: When used as an adverb, "横" can mean "unexpectedly" or "arbitrarily".

他横插一杠子。(He arbitrarily interfered.)

Common Structures:

Note: When used in some idiomatic expressions, "横" can have negative connotations, such as being unreasonable or arbitrary.

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the concept of "横" (horizontal) has special significance in various aspects:

Calligraphy and Painting: The horizontal stroke is one of the basic strokes in Chinese calligraphy and painting. Mastering horizontal strokes is considered fundamental for learning Chinese calligraphy, as it requires proper control of the brush and a steady hand.

Traditional Architecture: Traditional Chinese architecture often features horizontal elements, such as the horizontal wooden beams in traditional houses, which reflect the cultural emphasis on stability and harmony with nature.

Philosophy: In traditional Chinese philosophy, the horizontal and vertical directions are often associated with different concepts. The horizontal can represent the earthly realm or the human world, while the vertical might represent the heavenly realm or the divine.

Idioms and Sayings: Many Chinese idioms and sayings use "横" to convey various meanings, from describing physical positions to metaphorical concepts like being unreasonable or unexpected.

Today, "横" continues to be an important character in Chinese language and culture, with applications ranging from everyday language to specialized fields like art, architecture, and mathematics.

7. Example Sentence

Example 1: 请把这张纸横过来放。(Please place this paper horizontally.)

Example 2: 这条河横跨整个城市。(This river spans across the entire city.)

Example 3: 他写字的横总是不直。(The horizontal strokes in his writing are always not straight.)

8. Memory Tips

  1. Structure Memory: "横" is composed of "木" (wood/tree) and "黄" (yellow). You can remember it as "a wooden beam that is yellow" or associate it with the horizontal wooden beams in traditional Chinese architecture.
  2. Sound Association: The pronunciation "héng" (second tone) sounds steady and level, matching the meaning of horizontal.
  3. Character Stroke Connection: Since "横" itself refers to the horizontal stroke in Chinese characters, you can practice writing this character to remember both the character and its meaning.
  4. Visual Association: Imagine a horizontal line or a cross when you see or think of this character. Visual imagery can strengthen memory connections.
  5. Context Usage: Use the character in sentences related to directions, positions, or descriptions of objects. For example, describe the layout of a room using "横" to practice its usage.

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