Chinese Character: 减
1. Character Basics
Radical: 冫/bīng radical (ice)
Stroke Count: 11
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jiǎn
Pronunciation Note: Pronounced with a falling-rising tone (third tone).
3. Meaning
reduce, decrease, subtract, diminish, cut down
4. Common Words
- 减少 (jiǎnshǎo) - reduce, decrease - To make something smaller in size or amount
- 减法 (jiǎnfǎ) - subtraction - The mathematical operation of subtracting
- 减轻 (jiǎnqīng) - lighten, alleviate - To make something less heavy or severe
- 减肥 (jiǎnféi) - lose weight - To reduce body weight
- 减速 (jiǎnsù) - slow down, decelerate - To reduce speed
- 减低 (jiǎndī) - lower, reduce - To make something lower in level or degree
5. Grammar & Usage
1. As a verb: "减" is primarily used as a transitive verb meaning to reduce or subtract, as in "减价" (reduce price).
2. In mathematical contexts: It is used to indicate subtraction, as in "5减3等于2" (5 minus 3 equals 2).
3. In compounds: It is often found in compound words related to reduction or decrease.
4. Common collocations: "减少" (reduce), "减轻" (lighten), and "减肥" (lose weight) are commonly used collocations.
6. Cultural Background
The character "减" has various applications in Chinese culture and daily life. In mathematics education, it is one of the fundamental operations taught from an early age. In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of balancing and reducing excess (such as "减火" meaning to reduce internal heat) is an important principle. Additionally, in modern contexts, "减" is commonly used in discussions about environmental protection (减少污染 - reduce pollution), health (减肥 - lose weight), and economic policies (减税 - reduce taxes). The character reflects the cultural value placed on balance and moderation.
7. Example Sentence
为了保护环境，我们应该减少使用塑料袋。
Pinyin: Wèile bǎohù huánjìng, wǒmen yīnggāi jiǎnshǎo shǐyòng sùliàodài.
Translation: To protect the environment, we should reduce the use of plastic bags.
8. Memory Tips
The character "减" is composed of the radical "冫" (bīng, ice) and the component "咸" (xián). You can remember it by associating it with the idea of reducing or making something smaller, similar to how ice melts and becomes smaller. The character has 11 strokes, so practice writing it carefully to master the stroke order.