Learn a Chinese Character - 怀 (Huái - Carry in the bosom; cherish; think of; harbor; contain; pregnant; mind; heart; feelings)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 忄/心 (xīn) - Heart radical

Stroke Count: 7 strokes

Stroke Order:

Pinyin: Huái (Second tone)

Basic Meaning: Carry in the bosom; cherish; think of; harbor; contain

Extended Meanings: Pregnant; mind; heart; feelings

Additional Notes: This character often relates to emotions, thoughts, and caring in Chinese culture

怀念 (huái niàn): Miss; cherish the memory of

Example: 我很怀念我的童年。(Wǒ hěn huáiniàn wǒ de tóngnián.) - I really miss my childhood.
怀疑 (huái yí): Doubt; suspect

Example: 他开始怀疑我的话。(Tā kāishǐ huáiyí wǒ de huà.) - He began to doubt my words.
关怀 (guān huái): Care; solicitude

Example: 老师对学生充满关怀。(Lǎoshī duì xuéshēng chōngmǎn guānhuái.) - The teacher is full of care for the students.
怀抱 (huái bào): Hold in the arms; cherish

Example: 母亲把婴儿抱在怀抱里。(Mǔqīn bǎ yīng'ér bào zài huáibào lǐ.) - The mother held the baby in her arms.
心怀 (xīn huái): Harbor in one's heart; cherish

Example: 他心怀感激。(Tā xīnhuái gǎnjī.) - He harbors gratitude in his heart.

Part of Speech: Verb; Noun

Common Usage: As a verb to express carrying or cherishing; as a noun to refer to feelings or heart

Common Structures:

Usage Notes: Often used in emotional or mental contexts to express inner feelings

Emotional Expression: In Chinese culture, this character is deeply connected to expressing and understanding emotions
Filial Piety: Relates to the Confucian concept of caring for one's parents and elders
Literary Tradition: Frequently used in classical Chinese poetry to express longing and nostalgia
Modern Usage: Maintains its emotional connotations in contemporary Chinese language

Sentence 1: 他心怀梦想。(Tā xīnhuái mèngxiǎng.) - He harbors dreams in his heart.

Sentence 2: 我们应该关怀弱势群体。(Wǒmen yīnggāi guānhuái ruòshì qúnzhòng.) - We should care for vulnerable groups.

Sentence 3: 她怀孕了，全家都很高兴。(Tā huáiyùnle, quánjiā dōu hěn gāoxìng.) - She is pregnant, and the whole family is very happy.

Break it down: The character consists of 忄 (heart radical) and 不 (bù, not) - think of having something in your heart
Sound association: "Huái" sounds similar to "why" in English, but with a rising tone
Visual memory: Imagine holding something precious in your arms or heart
Word association: Connect it with common words like 怀念 (miss) and 关怀 (care)
Cultural connection: Associate it with the importance of emotions and caring in Chinese culture