Learn a Chinese Character - 惠 (Huì - Benefit; favor; kindness; generosity; mercy; goodwill; preferential; favorable; kindness or favor shown to others; preferential treatment or discount; to benefit or give favor to; graceful; gentle (in literary contexts))

1. Character Basics

Radical: 心 (xīn) - Heart radical

Stroke Count: 12 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Huì (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning: Benefit; favor; kindness; generosity; mercy; goodwill; Preferential; favorable

Extended Meanings:

• Kindness or favor shown to others
• Preferential treatment or discount
• To benefit or give favor to
• Graceful; gentle (in literary contexts)

Additional Notes: This character often conveys positive connotations related to kindness, generosity, and benefits received or given.

4. Common Words

• 优惠 (yōuhuì) - Discount; preferential

  这个商店正在提供特别优惠。(This store is offering special discounts.)

• 实惠 (shíhuì) - Practical and economical; good value

  这些商品很实惠，值得购买。(These products are good value and worth buying.)

• 恩惠 (ēnhuì) - Kindness; favor; grace

  我们永远不会忘记你的恩惠。(We will never forget your kindness.)

• 惠顾 (huìgù) - Patronize; give one's patronage

  欢迎再次惠顾！(Welcome to patronize us again!)

• 贤惠 (xiánhuì) - Virtuous and kind (usually describing a woman)

  她是一个贤惠的妻子。(She is a virtuous and kind wife.)

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech: Can be used as a noun, adjective, or verb

Common Usage:

• As a noun: Refers to kindness, favor, or benefit
• As an adjective: Describes something beneficial or favorable
• As a verb: Means to give favor or benefit

Common Structures:

• 互惠 (hùhuì) - Mutual benefit (reciprocal favor)
• 惠及 (huìjí) - To benefit (to reach and benefit)
• 惠赠 (huìzèng) - To give as a favor (a polite way to say "give")

Usage Notes: "惠" is often used in polite language, especially when referring to others' actions (e.g., "惠顾" for "patronize").

6. Cultural Background

Confucian Influence: In Chinese culture, "惠" is closely related to Confucian values of kindness, benevolence, and reciprocity. It emphasizes the importance of doing good deeds and showing compassion to others.

Business Culture: In Chinese business contexts, terms like "优惠" (discount) and "惠顾" (patronize) are commonly used to build good relationships with customers and partners.

Traditional Values: The concept of "恩惠" (kindness/favor) is deeply rooted in Chinese society, emphasizing gratitude and reciprocation for the help one receives.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

1. Component Analysis: "惠" consists of "彗" (huì, broom) on top and "心" (xīn, heart) at the bottom. Imagine using a broom to sweep away negative feelings from the heart, leaving kindness and generosity.
2. Pronunciation Association: The pinyin "Huì" sounds similar to "hway" in English. Think of "giving a way" to kindness.
3. Image Association: Visualize someone doing a kind deed from the heart, like giving a gift or helping someone in need.
4. Vocabulary Linking: Associate "惠" with words like "优惠" (discount) and "实惠" (good value), which are commonly used in daily life.
5. Sentence Memory: Learn the idiom "滴水之恩，当涌泉相报" (A drop of kindness should be repaid with a fountain of gratitude) to remember both the character and its cultural significance.