Chinese Character: 脊
1. Character Basics
Radical: 月 (yuè radical, "moon" radical, here indicating body part)
Stroke Count: 10
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jǐ
3. Meaning
spine, backbone, ridge, crest
4. Common Words
- 脊柱 (jǐ zhù) - spinal column, backbone
- 脊梁 (jǐ liáng) - backbone, ridgepole, main support
- 山脊 (shān jǐ) - mountain ridge
- 脊椎 (jǐ zhuī) - spine, vertebrae
- 屋脊 (wū jǐ) - roof ridge
- 脊髓 (jǐ suǐ) - spinal cord
5. Grammar & Usage
1. Used primarily as a noun referring to spines or ridges
2. Can be used in both literal and figurative senses
3. In figurative use, 脊梁 (jǐliáng) often refers to the backbone or main support of a group or cause
4. Commonly used in medical and anatomical contexts
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, the character 脊 has symbolic significance beyond its anatomical meaning. The term 脊梁 (jǐliáng) is often used metaphorically to describe the backbone or pillar of society - the people who provide essential support and leadership. This reflects the cultural value placed on strength, resilience, and supporting one's community.
7. Example Sentence
他的脊梁受伤了。
Pronunciation: Tā de jǐ liáng shòu shāng le.
Translation: His backbone was injured.
8. Memory Tips
The character 脊 has 10 strokes. The upper part resembles a spine or ridge with its vertical and horizontal lines, while the lower part is 月 (moon radical), which here indicates it's related to the body. Imagine the vertical line in the middle as the spinal column with the horizontal lines as the vertebrae to help remember its meaning of spine or ridge.