Chinese Character: 梦
1. Character Basics
Radical: 夕 (xī) - Evening radical
Stroke Count: 11 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: mèng (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Dream; vision; fantasy; to dream; ambition; aspiration
4. Common Words
- 梦想 (mèngxiǎng) - Dream; aspiration; ideal
- 梦境 (mèngjìng) - Dreamland; dream state
- 做梦 (zuòmèng) - To dream; to daydream
- 梦乡 (mèngxiāng) - Dreamland; sleep
- 噩梦 (èmèng) - Nightmare; terrible dream
- 梦幻 (mènghuàn) - Dreamlike; illusory
- 圆梦 (yuánmèng) - To realize a dream; to fulfill a wish
- 白日梦 (báirìmèng) - Daydream; fantasy
5. Grammar & Usage
The character "梦" is primarily used as a noun referring to dreams or aspirations. It can also be used as a verb meaning "to dream" when combined with other characters (e.g., 做梦, zuòmèng). In modern Chinese, it is commonly used in abstract contexts to express hopes and ambitions. When used in compounds like 梦想 (dream/aspiration), it takes on a more profound meaning related to life goals and ideals.
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, dreams have held significant symbolic and philosophical meaning for thousands of years. They are often seen as bridges between the conscious and unconscious mind, or as messages from the spirit world. Many ancient Chinese literary works, such as "The Dream of the Red Chamber" (红楼梦, Hónglóu Mèng), use dreams as central narrative devices. In traditional Chinese medicine, dreams are also considered important indicators of one's physical and emotional health. The concept of "南柯一梦" (Nánkē Yī Mèng) - "a dream under the southern locust tree" - is a famous idiom referring to an empty or transient dream of glory.
7. Example Sentence
中文: 每个人都有追求梦想的权利。
Pinyin: Měi gè rén dōu yǒu zhuīqiú mèngxiǎng de quánlì.
English: Everyone has the right to pursue their dreams.
8. Memory Tips
The character \"梦\" consists of two parts: \"夕\" (xī) meaning \"evening\" and a modified form of \"林\" (lín) meaning \"forest\". You can remember it by thinking: \"Dreams often come at evening time when the mind is relaxed and imaginative.\" Also, the radical \"夕\" is a key indicator of words related to night or darkness, which helps connect the character to its meaning of dreams that occur during sleep. Associating the character with famous Chinese literary works like \"The Dream of the Red Chamber\" can also strengthen your memory.