Learn a Chinese Character - 绘 (Huì - Draw; paint; sketch; depict; describe; design; map out; portray; represent; elaborate; detail; conceive; formulate)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 纟 (sī) - Silk/thread radical

Stroke Count: 9 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Huì (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning:

Draw; paint; sketch
Depict; describe
Design; map out

Extended Meanings:

Portray; represent
Elaborate; detail
Conceive; formulate

Additional Notes: "绘" is most commonly used in artistic contexts related to drawing and painting. It often appears in compound words related to visual arts and design.

4. Common Words

绘画 (huì huà) - Painting; drawing

他喜欢绘画，尤其是山水画。 (Tā xǐhuan huìhuà, yóuqí shì shānshuǐhuà.)

He likes painting, especially landscape painting.
描绘 (miáo huì) - Depict; describe; portray

这本书生动地描绘了中国的历史。 (Zhè běn shū shēngdòng de miáohuìle zhōngguó de lìshǐ.)

This book vividly depicts China's history.
绘图 (huì tú) - Draw; map; chart

工程师正在绘图设计新的桥梁。 (Gōngchéngshī zhèngzài huìtú shèjì xīn de qiáoliáng.)

The engineer is drawing plans for a new bridge.
彩绘 (cǎi huì) - Color painting; painted decoration

中国传统建筑上有精美的彩绘。 (Zhōngguó chuántǒng jiànzhù shàng yǒu jīngměi de cǎihuì.)

There are exquisite color paintings on traditional Chinese architecture.
绘声绘色 (huì shēng huì sè) - Vivid (description); lifelike

他绘声绘色地讲述了自己的经历。 (Tā huìshēnghuìsè de jiǎngshùle zìjǐ de jīnglì.)

He vividly recounted his experiences.

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech: Mainly used as a verb

Common Usage:

As a transitive verb: Often followed by objects related to art, images, or descriptions (e.g., 绘画作品/huì huà zuò pǐn - Painting works; 绘地图/huì dì tú - Draw a map)
In compound words: Frequently combined with other characters to form words related to drawing, painting, and description (e.g., 绘制/huì zhì - Draw and make; 绘像/huì xiàng - Draw a portrait)
In idiomatic expressions: Used in set phrases to describe vividness or detail (e.g., 绘声绘色/huì shēng huì sè - Vividly)

Common Structures:

绘 + Object: To draw/paint something (e.g., 绘一幅画/huì yī fú huà - Draw a picture)
绘 + Complement: To draw/paint in a certain way (e.g., 绘制精美/huì zhì jīngměi - Draw exquisitely)
被 + Noun + 绘: To be drawn/painted (e.g., 这幅画被绘于清朝。/Zhè fú huà bèi huì yú qīngcháo. - This painting was drawn in the Qing Dynasty.)

Usage Notes: "绘" is more formal than the common word "画" (huà) for drawing or painting. It is often used in more professional or literary contexts.

6. Cultural Background

Chinese Art and Painting: The character "绘" is closely associated with traditional Chinese art, particularly painting. Chinese painting has a long history dating back thousands of years, with distinctive styles and techniques that emphasize harmony, balance, and the expression of inner thoughts and emotions.

Historical Significance: In ancient China, painting was considered one of the "Four Arts" (四艺/sì yì) alongside calligraphy, music, and chess. Skilled painters were highly respected, and their works often depicted landscapes, flowers, birds, and figures with symbolic meanings.

Modern Cultural Context: Today, "绘" continues to be an important character in artistic and cultural contexts. It is used in various forms of visual art, design, and media, reflecting the enduring importance of artistic expression in Chinese culture.

7. Example Sentence

她用彩笔绘了一幅美丽的图画。 (Tā yòng cǎibǐ huìle yī fú měilì de túhuà.)

She drew a beautiful picture with colored pencils.

这位作家擅长绘声绘色地描写人物。 (Zhè wèi zuòjiā shàncháng huìshēnghuìsè de miáoxiě rénwù.)

This writer is good at vividly describing characters.

中国传统绘画注重意境的表达。 (Zhōngguó chuántǒng huìhuà zhùzhòng yìjìng de biǎodá.)

Traditional Chinese painting emphasizes the expression of artistic conception.

8. Memory Tips

Component Analysis: "绘" consists of "纟" (sī - silk/thread radical) and "会" (huì - meet/gather). In ancient times, painting was often done with ink and silk, so imagine meeting (会) with silk (纟) to paint.
Pronunciation Association: The pronunciation "huì" sounds similar to "way" in English. Remember that an artist finds a "way" to "绘" (draw) beautiful pictures.
Image Association: Picture an artist holding a brush, creating a painting, which directly relates to the meaning of "绘".
Vocabulary Linking: Connect "绘" with words like "绘画" (painting) and "描绘" (describe) to reinforce its meaning and usage.
Sentence Practice: Create simple sentences using "绘" to help remember its meaning and how it's used in context.