Learn a Chinese Character - 景

1. Character Basics

Radical: 日/rì (sun radical)

Stroke Count: 12

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: jǐng (third tone)

3. Meaning

scenery, view, scene, landscape

4. Common Words

• 景色 (jǐng sè) - scenery, landscape
• 风景 (fēng jǐng) - scenery, view
• 景区 (jǐng qū) - scenic area
• 景象 (jǐng xiàng) - scene, sight
• 景仰 (jǐng yǎng) - to respect, to admire
• 前景 (qián jǐng) - prospect, future

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech: Mainly used as a noun

Usage Patterns:

• 作为名词: 景色 (scenery); 风景 (scenery)
• 与其他字组合: 景区 (scenic area); 景象 (scene)
• 成语用法: 触景生情 (chù jǐng shēng qíng) - to be moved by what one sees

Note: "景" is commonly used in compound words related to scenery, views, and scenes.

6. Cultural Background

Traditional Chinese Painting: The concept of "景" (scenery) is central to traditional Chinese landscape painting, which often seeks to capture the essence of nature rather than just its physical appearance.

Poetry and Literature: "景" has been a common theme in Chinese poetry and literature for centuries, with countless works describing the beauty of mountains, rivers, and seasons.

Philosophy: In Chinese philosophy, especially in Taoism, the appreciation of natural scenery is seen as a way to connect with the Tao (the Way) and achieve inner peace.

Modern Usage: Today, "景" is widely used in tourism-related contexts to refer to scenic spots and attractions.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Character Breakdown: The character "景" consists of 日 (rì, sun) on top and 京 (jīng) below. Together, they can be thought of as "a place where the sun shines brightly" - a scenic spot.

Mnemonic Device: Imagine the top part 日 as the sun shining over a beautiful scene (represented by 京).

Word Association: Connect "景" with the common word "风景" (fēng jǐng - scenery) to help remember its meaning and pronunciation.

Cultural Connection: Remember that "景" is not just scenery, but also carries cultural significance in Chinese art, literature, and philosophy.