Learn a Chinese Character - 辉 (Huī - Bright; shine; sparkle; glory; splendor; radiance; luster; fame; honor; distinction; brilliant; magnificent; to illuminate; to light up)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 光 (guāng) - Light radical

Stroke Count: 12 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Huī (First tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning

Bright; shine; sparkle; glory

Extended Meanings

Splendor; radiance; luster
Fame; honor; distinction
Brilliant; magnificent
To illuminate; to light up

Additional Notes

Often used to describe something that emits light, has brightness, or represents excellence and glory.

4. Common Words

光辉 (guānghuī) - Brilliant light; glory

Example: 太阳的光辉照亮了大地。 (The sun's brilliance illuminated the earth.)
辉煌 (huīhuáng) - Brilliant; magnificent

Example: 中国有着辉煌的历史。 (China has a brilliant history.)
辉映 (huīyìng) - Shine on each other; reflect

Example: 月光和灯光交相辉映。 (Moonlight and lamplight shone on each other.)
辉煌成就 (huīhuáng chéngjiù) - Brilliant achievements

Example: 他在科学领域取得了辉煌成就。 (He has made brilliant achievements in the field of science.)
辉光 (huīguāng) - Glow; radiance

Example: 远处的灯塔发出柔和的辉光。 (The distant lighthouse emitted a soft glow.)

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech

Mainly used as an adjective, sometimes as a noun

Common Usage

Often used to describe light, brightness, or something magnificent
Can be combined with other characters to form compound words related to light or brilliance
Used in formal or literary contexts to express glory or splendor

Common Structures

辉 + 名词: 光辉 (brilliant light), 辉光 (glow)
名词 + 辉: 金辉 (golden radiance), 银辉 (silver radiance)
辉 + 煌: 辉煌 (brilliant, magnificent)

Usage Notes

When used as an adjective, it is usually placed before the noun it modifies. When used as a noun, it refers to light or glory.

6. Cultural Background

Symbolism of Light and Brightness

In Chinese culture, "辉" (brightness) holds significant symbolic meaning. It is often associated with positive concepts such as hope, wisdom, and prosperity. Bright light is seen as dispelling darkness and ignorance.

Astronomical and Natural Symbolism

The character "辉" is frequently used in descriptions of celestial phenomena, such as the brilliance of the sun, moon, and stars. This reflects the ancient Chinese people's observation and reverence for natural light sources.

Cultural Expressions

"辉" appears in many Chinese idioms and expressions related to success, honor, and achievement. For example, "辉煌腾达" (huīhuáng téngdá) means to achieve brilliant success and prosperity in one's career or life.

7. Example Sentence

Example 1:

他的成就为家族增添了光辉。

(His achievements added glory to the family.)

Example 2:

城市的夜景灯火辉煌。

(The city's night view is brilliantly lit.)

Example 3:

这位科学家的发明将永放光辉。

(This scientist's invention will forever shine with brilliance.)

8. Memory Tips

Component Analysis:
辉 is composed of 光 (guāng, light) and 军 (jūn, army). Imagine the army marching under the bright light of the sun.
Sound Association:
The pronunciation "huī" is similar to "灰" (huī, ash). But unlike ash, "辉" represents brightness and glory.
Image Association:
Picture a bright light shining, which directly connects to the meaning of "辉" (bright, shine).
Word Association:
Connect "辉" with related words: 光辉 (brilliant light), 辉煌 (brilliant), 辉映 (shine on each other), 辉光 (glow), 辉煌成就 (brilliant achievements).
Sentence Mnemonic:
Remember the simple sentence: "太阳的光辉很明亮" (The sun's brilliance is very bright). This will help you associate the character with its core meaning.