Learn a Chinese Character - 灰 (Huī - Ash; gray; dust; ashes (the residue after burning); gray color (between black and white); dust; powdery substance; disappointed; disheartened)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 火 (huǒ) - Fire radical

Stroke Count: 6 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Huī (First tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning: Ash; gray; dust

Extended Meanings:

• Ashes (the residue after burning)
• Gray color (between black and white)
• Dust; powdery substance
• Disappointed; disheartened

Additional Notes: Often used to describe the color gray or the remains after something has burned. Can also be used metaphorically to express disappointment or discouragement.

4. Common Words

• 灰尘 (huī chén) - Dust

  Example: 房间里有很多灰尘。 (Fángjiān li yǒu hěn duō huīchén.) - There is a lot of dust in the room.

• 灰色 (huī sè) - Gray color

  Example: 他喜欢穿灰色的衣服。 (Tā xǐhuan chuān huīsè de yīfu.) - He likes to wear gray clothes.

• 灰心 (huī xīn) - To lose heart; to be discouraged

  Example: 不要灰心，继续努力。 (Bùyào huīxīn, jìxù nǔlì.) - Don't lose heart, keep trying.

• 骨灰 (gǔ huī) - Ashes of a cremated body

  Example: 他们把父亲的骨灰撒入大海。 (Tāmen bǎ fùqīn de gǔhuī sǎ rù dàhǎi.) - They scattered their father's ashes into the sea.

• 灰蒙蒙 (huī méng méng) - Dull gray; overcast

  Example: 天空灰蒙蒙的，好像要下雨了。 (Tiānkōng huīméngméng de, hǎoxiàng yào xiàyǔ le.) - The sky is overcast, it seems like it's going to rain.

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech: Noun; adjective; verb

Common Usage:

• As a noun: Referring to ash, dust, or the gray color
• As an adjective: Describing something that is gray in color
• As a verb: Expressing disappointment or discouragement

Common Structures:

• 灰 + Noun (e.g., 灰尘 - dust; 灰色 - gray color)
• Adjective + 灰 (e.g., 银灰 - silver gray; 深灰 - dark gray)
• 灰 + Verb (e.g., 灰心 - to lose heart; 灰飞烟灭 - to vanish like ash and smoke)
• 灰 + 灰 (reduplicated form, e.g., 灰蒙蒙 - overcast; 灰扑扑 - dusty gray)

Usage Notes: "灰" is a versatile character that can function as different parts of speech depending on the context. When used as a noun, it often refers to physical substances like ash or dust. When used as an adjective, it describes the color gray. When used as a verb, it usually has a metaphorical meaning related to discouragement.

6. Cultural Background

Funeral Customs:

In Chinese culture, the character "灰" is closely associated with funeral customs. After cremation, the ashes of the deceased are often placed in an urn and either buried or kept in a columbarium. This practice reflects the traditional belief in the cycle of life and death.

Symbolism of Color:

The color gray, represented by "灰", is often associated with neutrality, modesty, and practicality in Chinese culture. It is a common color in traditional Chinese clothing, especially for everyday wear, as it is considered less flashy than other colors.

Idioms and Expressions:

There are several Chinese idioms and expressions that use the character "灰", such as "灰头土脸" (covered in dust and dirt,形容狼狈不堪), "心灰意冷" (completely discouraged), and "灰飞烟灭" (to vanish like ash and smoke).

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

1. Component Analysis: '灰' consists of '火' (fire) on the bottom and a horizontal line and dot on top. Imagine ashes floating above a fire to help remember the character.
2. Sound Association: The pronunciation 'huī' sounds like the English word "hue", which relates to color, and "灰" can mean gray color.
3. Image Association: Visualize a gray sky, a pile of ashes, or dust in the air to associate with the meaning of "灰"。
4. Stroke Order: Remember the stroke order: first the horizontal line, then the dot, then the fire radical at the bottom.
5. Common Words: Practice using common words like '灰色' (gray), '灰尘' (dust), and '灰心' (to lose heart) to reinforce your memory of the character.