Chinese Character: 间
1. Character Basics
Radical: 门/mén radical (door, gate)
Stroke Count: 7
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jiān, jiàn
Pronunciation Note: Can be pronounced with a high and level tone (first tone) as "jiān" or a falling-rising tone (fourth tone) as "jiàn".
3. Meaning
space, interval, gap, between, among, room, within, during, time, break
4. Common Words
- 中间 (zhōngjiān) - middle, center, between - The point or area that is equally distant from all sides
- 房间 (fángjiān) - room - A part of a building enclosed by walls, floor, and ceiling
- 时间 (shíjiān) - time - A measure of duration or sequence of events
- 间隔 (jiàngé) - interval, gap - A space or period between two points or events
- 间接 (jiànjiē) - indirect - Not direct; happening through an intermediary
- 中间 (zhōngjiān) - middle, between - In the middle position or state
5. Grammar & Usage
1. As a noun: "间" can be used as a noun meaning room or space, as in "房间" (room).
2. As a measure word: It is often used as a measure word for rooms, as in "一间房子" (one room).
3. As a preposition: When pronounced "jiān", it can function as a preposition meaning between or among, as in "他们之间" (between them).
4. As an adverb: When pronounced "jiàn", it can function as an adverb meaning indirectly or in between, as in "间接影响" (indirect influence).
6. Cultural Background
The character "间" has a rich cultural history in Chinese. Its original form depicted the moon shining through a door, symbolizing the concept of space or interval. In traditional Chinese philosophy, the idea of "间" (space or gap) is important in concepts like yin and yang, where the space between things is seen as essential to understanding their relationship. The character is also used in various idioms and proverbs related to time, space, and relationships between people. In Chinese architecture, the concept of "间" is fundamental, referring to the space between structural elements.
7. Example Sentence
我们之间的友谊很深厚。
Pinyin: Wǒmen zhījiān de yǒuyì hěn shēnhòu.
Translation: The friendship between us is very deep.
8. Memory Tips
The character "间" is composed of the radical "门" (door) and the component "日" (sun). You can remember it by visualizing the sun shining through a door, which creates a space or interval. This imagery helps connect the character's form with its meaning of space, interval, or between. The character has two common pronunciations, so pay attention to the context to determine whether to use "jiān" or "jiàn".