Learn a Chinese Character - 汇 (Huì - Gather; assemble; collect; converge; exchange (currency); remit; send money; compile; bring together; flow together; converge)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 氵 (shuǐ) - Water radical

Stroke Count: 5 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Huì (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning

Gather; assemble; collect; converge

Extended Meanings

• Exchange (currency)
• Remit; send money
• Compile; bring together
• Flow together; converge

Additional Notes

The character "汇" originally meant "confluence of waters" and later extended to mean gathering or collecting in general. It is commonly used in financial and business contexts.

4. Common Words

• 汇合 (huìhé) - Converge; meet

  Example: 两条河流在这里汇合。 (Two rivers converge here.)

• 汇款 (huìkuǎn) - Remit money; send money

  Example: 请帮我汇款到这个账户。 (Please help me remit money to this account.)

• 汇总 (huìzǒng) - Summarize; compile

  Example: 他把所有的数据汇总起来。 (He compiled all the data.)

• 外汇 (wàihuì) - Foreign exchange

  Example: 这家银行可以兑换外汇。 (This bank can exchange foreign currency.)

• 汇集 (huìjí) - Gather together; assemble

  Example: 这里汇集了来自全国各地的人才。 (Talents from all over the country gather here.)

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech

Most commonly used as a verb

Common Usage

• Used to indicate the action of gathering or collecting things or people
• Frequently used in financial contexts for money transfers and exchanges
• Can be used in geographical contexts to describe the confluence of rivers or streams

Common Structures

• 汇 + 合/集/总: 汇合 (converge), 汇集 (gather together), 汇总 (summarize)
• 汇 + 款: 汇款 (remit money)
• 外 + 汇: 外汇 (foreign exchange)

Usage Notes

When used in financial contexts, "汇" often requires additional information such as the amount, recipient, or account details to be fully understood.

6. Cultural Background

Concept of Convergence in Chinese Philosophy

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of things gathering together (汇集) has deep significance. It reflects the belief in the interconnectedness of all things and the natural tendency for elements to come together to form something greater.

Historical and Cultural Context

The character "汇" has been used in Chinese literature for centuries to describe the confluence of rivers, which were essential for transportation, trade, and agriculture in ancient China. This connection to water and movement is reflected in its radical.

Modern Business and Finance

In contemporary Chinese society, "汇" is widely used in business and financial contexts, particularly in relation to currency exchange and money transfers. This reflects China's growing role in the global economy and financial system.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

• Component Analysis:

  汇 is composed of 氵 (water radical) and 匚 (a container or box). This combination suggests water or things flowing into a container or gathering together.

• Sound Association:

  The pronunciation "huì" rhymes with the English word "way" but with a falling tone. You can associate it with the phrase "Hurray!" when things come together successfully.

• Image Association:

  Picture multiple streams flowing together to form a river, which directly relates to the meaning of "converge" or "gather."

• Word Association:

  Connect "汇" with related words: 汇合 (converge), 汇款 (remit money), 汇总 (summarize), 外汇 (foreign exchange), 汇集 (gather together).

• Sentence Mnemonic:

  Remember the simple sentence: "我们汇在一起" (We gather together). This helps associate the character with its core meaning of gathering or assembling.