Chinese Character: 互
1. Character Basics
Radical: 工/gōng (work, labor) - "Mutual" radical
Stroke Count: 4 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Hù (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Basic Meaning: Mutual, reciprocal, each other
Extended Meanings: Interchangeable, common, shared
Additional Notes: Often used in words related to mutual actions, cooperation, or exchange.
4. Common Words
- 互相 (hùxiāng): Mutual, each other
我们应该互相帮助。 (Wǒmen yīnggāi hùxiāng bāngzhù.)
We should help each other.
- 互动 (hùdòng): Interaction
课堂上的互动很重要。 (Kètáng shàng de hùdòng hěn zhòngyào.)
Interaction in class is very important.
- 互联网 (hùliánwǎng): Internet
互联网改变了我们的生活。 (Hùliánwǎng gǎibiànle wǒmen de shēnghuó.)
The Internet has changed our lives.
- 互换 (hùhuàn): Exchange, swap
我们可以互换电话号码。 (Wǒmen kěyǐ hùhuàn diànhuà hàomǎ.)
We can exchange phone numbers.
- 互利 (hùlì): Mutual benefit
这是一个互利的合作。 (Zhè shì yīgè hùlì de hézuò.)
This is a mutually beneficial cooperation.
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of Speech: Mostly used as a morpheme in compound words
Common Usage: Often appears in words describing mutual relationships or interactions
Common Structures:
- 互相 + Verb (e.g., 互相帮助 hùxiāng bāngzhù - help each other)
- 互 + 动/换/利 + Noun (e.g., 互动交流 hùdòng jiāoliú - interactive communication)
Usage Notes: "互" is rarely used alone in modern Chinese. It is almost always part of compound words.
6. Cultural Background
Philosophical Concept: "互" embodies the Chinese philosophical idea of interdependence and mutual benefit.
Social Harmony: Words with "互" reflect the importance of harmonious relationships in Chinese culture.
Modern Context: In today's globalized world, the concept of "互相" (mutual) has become increasingly important in international relations.
Historical Development: The character's form has evolved from ancient pictographs representing two hands helping each other.
7. Example Sentence
朋友之间应该互相关心。 (Péngyou zhījiān yīnggāi hùxiāng guānxīn.)
Friends should care for each other.
我们需要加强国际间的互利合作。 (Wǒmen xūyào jiāqiáng guójì jiān de hùlì hézuò.)
We need to strengthen mutually beneficial international cooperation.
互联网让信息能够互相传递。 (Hùliánwǎng ràng xìnxī nénggòu hùxiāng chuándì.)
The Internet enables the mutual transmission of information.
8. Memory Tips
Structure Memory: The character 互 looks like two hands or objects facing each other, representing mutual interaction.
Sound Association: "Hù" rhymes with "who" in English, but with a fourth (falling) tone.
Vocabulary Grouping: Learn all words containing "互" together to build a strong vocabulary network.
Stroke Order Practice: Remember the simple 4-stroke order: horizontal, left-falling, horizontal, left-falling.
Contextual Learning: Use the character in sentences about mutual relationships to reinforce its meaning.