Chinese Character: 交
1. Character Basics
Radical: 亠/tóu radical (lid radical)
Stroke Count: 6
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jiāo (first tone)
3. Meaning
cross, exchange, communicate, deliver, interact, make friends
4. Common Words
- 交通 (jiāo tōng) - transportation
- 交流 (jiāo liú) - communication, exchange
- 交换 (jiāo huàn) - exchange
- 交朋友 (jiāo péng yǒu) - make friends
- 交付 (jiāo fù) - deliver, hand over
- 交叉 (jiāo chā) - cross, intersect
5. Grammar & Usage
"交" is primarily used as a verb meaning "to cross, connect, exchange, or interact" with someone or something.
It can also function as a noun, as in "交通" (transportation) or "社交" (social interaction).
When used as a suffix in compound words, it often carries the meaning of "association" or "connection", such as in "外交" (diplomacy) or "成交" (to close a deal).
Common structures include "与...交流" (communicate with...), "和...交换" (exchange with...), and "交朋友" (make friends).
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, "交" (interaction) holds significant importance. The concept of guanxi (关系), which refers to social networks and relationships, is central to Chinese society.
The character "交" appears in many idioms related to human relationships, such as "交相辉映" (shining upon each other) and "生死之交" (friends who would die for each other).
Traditional Chinese philosophy emphasizes the importance of harmonious interaction between people and between humans and nature, which is reflected in the character's meaning.
The practice of exchanging gifts (礼尚往来) is an important cultural tradition in China, demonstrating the value placed on reciprocal relationships.
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 我们应该多交流，增进了解。
Pinyin: Wǒmen yīnggāi duō jiāoliú, zēngjìn liǎojiě.
Translation: We should communicate more to enhance mutual understanding.
8. Memory Tips
The character "交" visually resembles two people crossing their arms or intersecting lines, which relates to its meaning of "crossing" or "connecting".
It consists of the radical "亠" (lid) at the top and a modified form of "父" (father) at the bottom.
To remember this character, think of two people shaking hands (connecting) or exchanging something. The pronunciation "jiāo" rhymes with the English word "show" but with a rising tone.