Learn a Chinese Character - 会 (Huì/Kuài - (Huì) Meet; gather; assemble; can; be able to; know how to; association; society; organization; understand; grasp; be likely to; will (indicating future possibility); occasion; opportunity; city (in ancient Chinese, especially used in place names); (Kuài) Accountant; accounting)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 人 (rén) - Person radical

Stroke Count: 6 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Huì (Fourth tone) and Kuài (Fourth tone) [多音字 (duō yīn zì) - Polyphonic character]

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning:

• Meet; gather; assemble
• Can; be able to; know how to
• Association; society; organization
• Understand; grasp

Extended Meanings:

• Be likely to; will (indicating future possibility)
• Occasion; opportunity
• City (in ancient Chinese, especially used in place names)

Additional Notes: "会" is a polyphonic character with two main pronunciations: "huì" which is the most common, and "kuài" which is mainly used in financial contexts (e.g., 会计/kuài jì - Accountant).

4. Common Words

• 会议 (huì yì) - Meeting

  我们明天有一个重要的会议。 (Wǒmen míngtiān yǒu yīgè zhòngyào de huìyì.)

  We have an important meeting tomorrow.

• 学会 (xué huì) - Learn; master

  我已经学会了骑自行车。 (Wǒ yǐjīng xuéhuìle qí zìxíngchē.)

  I have already learned how to ride a bicycle.

• 机会 (jī huì) - Opportunity; chance

  这是一个很好的机会，不要错过。 (Zhè shì yīgè hěn hǎo de jīhuì, bùyào cuòguò.)

  This is a very good opportunity; don't miss it.

• 会计 (kuài jì) - Accountant; accounting

  她是一名专业的会计。 (Tā shì yīmíng zhuānyè de kuàijì.)

  She is a professional accountant.

• 聚会 (jù huì) - Gathering; party

  周末我们将举行一个聚会。 (Zhōumò wǒmen jiāng jǔxíng yīgè jùhuì.)

  We will have a gathering on the weekend.

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech: Can function as a verb, noun, or auxiliary verb

Common Usage:

• As a verb: Indicating meeting, gathering, or understanding (e.g., 会面/huì miàn - Meet; 领会/lǐng huì - Understand)
• As an auxiliary verb: Indicating ability or possibility (e.g., 会说中文/huì shuō zhōngwén - Can speak Chinese)
• As a noun: Referring to organizations, meetings, or opportunities (e.g., 协会/xié huì - Association; 工会/gōng huì - Labor union)

Common Structures:

• 会 + Verb: Indicates ability to do something (e.g., 会游泳/huì yóuyǒng - Can swim)
• 会 + Adjective: Indicates likelihood (e.g., 会下雨/huì xiàyǔ - It will rain)
• 有机会 (yǒu jīhuì) + Verb: Have the opportunity to do something (e.g., 有机会去中国/yǒu jīhuì qù zhōngguó - Have the opportunity to go to China)

Usage Notes: When used as an auxiliary verb to indicate ability, "会" is similar to "能" (néng), but "会" emphasizes acquired skills, while "能" emphasizes innate ability or permission.

6. Cultural Background

Concept of Gathering in Chinese Culture: The character "会" embodies the Chinese cultural emphasis on community and social connections. Traditional Chinese society values gatherings and collective activities, which is reflected in the importance of family reunions, community events, and business meetings.

Historical and Cultural Context: In ancient China, various types of "会" (associations) played important roles in social life, such as literary societies, trade guilds, and religious associations. These organizations helped maintain social order and cultural traditions.

Modern Usage and Cultural Significance: Today, "会" continues to be widely used in various contexts, from business meetings (会议/huì yì) to social gatherings (聚会/jù huì). The character also appears in many idioms and proverbs that reflect Chinese wisdom about human relationships and social interactions.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

1. Component Analysis: "会" consists of "人" (rén - person) on top and "云" (yún - cloud) below. Imagine people gathering under clouds to meet.
2. Pronunciation Association: The pronunciation "huì" sounds similar to "way" in English. Remember that knowing the "way" to do something means you "会" (can) do it.
3. Image Association: Picture a group of people meeting around a table, which represents the meaning of gathering or meeting.
4. Vocabulary Linking: Connect "会" with words like "会议" (meeting) and "学会" (learn) to reinforce its different meanings and uses.
5. Sentence Practice: Create simple sentences using "会" in different contexts to help remember its various meanings and grammatical functions.