Chinese Character: 厚
1. Character Basics
Radical: 厂/chǎng (cliff/factory) + 日/rì (sun) + 子/zǐ (son)
Stroke Count: 9 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Hòu (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Basic Meaning: Thick; deep; abundant; generous; kind
Extended Meaning: Profound; intense; sincere; substantial; solid
Additional Notes: Can also mean "to favor" or "to treat leniently" in certain contexts.
4. Common Words
- 厚度 (hòu dù): Thickness
Example: 这本书的厚度是三厘米。 (Zhè běn shū de hòu dù shì sān lí mǐ.) - The thickness of this book is three centimeters.
- 厚重 (hòu zhòng): Thick and heavy; profound
Example: 他的声音很厚重。 (Tā de shēng yīn hěn hòu zhòng.) - His voice is deep and resonant.
- 厚礼 (hòu lǐ): Generous gift
Example: 他送了一份厚礼。 (Tā sòng le yī fèn hòu lǐ.) - He gave a generous gift.
- 厚道 (hòu dao): Kind; honest; sincere
Example: 他是个很厚道的人。 (Tā shì gè hěn hòu dao de rén.) - He is a very kind person.
- 浓厚 (nóng hòu): Dense; strong; rich
Example: 这里有浓厚的文化氛围。 (Zhè lǐ yǒu nóng hòu de wén huà fēn wéi.) - There is a strong cultural atmosphere here.
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of Speech: Mainly used as an adjective; can also be a noun or verb in certain contexts.
Common Usage:
- Describing physical thickness: 厚纸 (hòu zhǐ) - thick paper
- Describing abstract qualities: 厚意 (hòu yì) - kind intention
- Forming compound adjectives: 忠厚 (zhōng hòu) - honest and kind
Common Structures:
- 厚+名词: Thick/generous + noun
Example: 厚衣服 (hòu yī fu) - thick clothes
- 越来越厚 (yuè lái yuè hòu): Getting thicker and thicker
Example: 雪下得越来越厚。 (Xuě xià de yuè lái yuè hòu.) - The snow is getting thicker and thicker.
Usage Notes: "厚" is often used in positive contexts to describe desirable qualities like kindness and generosity.
6. Cultural Background
Cultural Significance: In Chinese culture, "厚" is highly valued as it represents virtues like kindness, sincerity, and generosity. It is associated with positive interpersonal relationships and moral character.
Idiomatic Expressions:
- 厚德载物 (hòu dé zài wù): Great virtue carries all things (from the Book of Changes)
- 厚此薄彼 (hòu cǐ bó bǐ): Favor one over another
- 天高地厚 (tiān gāo dì hòu): As high as heaven and as thick as earth (meaning profound kindness or ignorance of one's limits)
Cultural Notes: The concept of "厚" is important in Confucian philosophy, emphasizing the importance of developing one's moral character and treating others with kindness and respect.
7. Example Sentence
Sentence 1: 冬天我喜欢穿厚衣服。
Pronunciation: Dōng tiān wǒ xǐ huan chuān hòu yī fu.
Translation: I like to wear thick clothes in winter.
Sentence 2: 他待人很厚道。
Pronunciation: Tā dài rén hěn hòu dao.
Translation: He treats people very kindly.
Sentence 3: 这本书有深厚的文化底蕴。
Pronunciation: Zhè běn shū yǒu shēn hòu de wén huà dǐ yùn.
Translation: This book has profound cultural connotations.
8. Memory Tips
1. Structure Memory: The character "厚" consists of "厂" (cliff), "日" (sun), and "子" (son). Imagine a son standing under a cliff with the sun above - representing something solid and substantial.
2. Sound Association: The pronunciation "hòu" sounds similar to the English word "how", but with a falling tone at the end.
3. Word Grouping: Group words by category: physical thickness (厚度、厚衣服) and abstract qualities (厚道、厚重).
4. Stroke Order Practice: Practice writing the 9 strokes in order, focusing on the correct sequence of the component parts.
5. Visual Association: The character resembles a house with a sun on top, which can help associate it with concepts like shelter and protection, which are often related to thickness and solidity.