Learn a Chinese Character - 积

1. Character Basics

Radical: 禾 (hé, grain radical)

Stroke Count: 10

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: jī

3. Meaning

English meaning: accumulate, store up, product, amass

4. Common Words

• 积累 (jī lěi) - accumulate, build up
• 积极 (jī jí) - positive, active
• 积分 (jī fēn) - points, integrate, accumulate points
• 堆积 (duī jī) - pile up, accumulate
• 面积 (miàn jī) - area
• 体积 (tǐ jī) - volume

5. Grammar & Usage

Usage notes:

• 主要用作动词，表示积累、堆积
• 也可用作名词，表示数学中的积或面积、体积等
• 在"积极"等词中用作形容词，表示正面的、主动的

6. Cultural Background

The character "积" combines "禾" (hé, grain) and "只" (zhī, only). Originally, it referred to storing up grain. In Chinese culture, the concept of "积" is important in philosophy and daily life, emphasizing the value of accumulating small things to form something great.

There is a famous Chinese saying: "不积跬步，无以至千里" (bù jī kuǐ bù, wú yǐ zhì qiān lǐ), which means "Without accumulating small steps, you cannot travel a thousand miles."

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Mnemonic: The character "积" has "禾" (hé, grain) on the left and "只" (zhī, only) on the right. Imagine storing up only grain, which is accumulating.

Another way: Think of the radical "禾" related to agriculture and storing crops, which connects to the meaning of accumulation.