Chinese Character: 谜
1. Character Basics
Radical: 讠/言 (yán) - Speech radical
Stroke Count: 11 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: mí (Second tone)
3. Meaning
Riddle; mystery; puzzle; enigma; conundrum; something difficult to understand or explain
4. Common Words
- 谜语 (míyǔ) - Riddle; conundrum
- 谜底 (mídǐ) - Answer to a riddle; solution to a mystery
- 谜团 (mítuán) - Enigma; mystery; puzzle
- 解谜 (jiěmí) - To solve a riddle; to unravel a mystery
- 灯谜 (dēngmí) - Lantern riddle (traditional Chinese riddle written on lanterns during festivals)
- 哑谜 (yǎmí) - Charade; puzzle presented in mime
- 谜宫 (mígōng) - Puzzle palace; complex puzzle
- 字谜 (zìmí) - Character riddle (riddle about Chinese characters)
5. Grammar & Usage
The character \"谜\" is primarily used as a noun referring to riddles, mysteries, or puzzles. It is often combined with other characters to form compound words related to puzzles and mysteries. In Chinese grammar, it is commonly used in the structure \"解+谜\" (jiě+mí) meaning \"to solve a riddle\" or \"to unravel a mystery\". It can also be used in the phrase \"是个谜\" (shì gè mí) meaning \"is a mystery\". Unlike its similar character \"迷\", \"谜\" is more specifically related to intellectual puzzles rather than being lost or confused.
6. Cultural Background
Riddles (谜语, míyǔ) have a long history in Chinese culture, dating back thousands of years. They were not only a form of entertainment but also a way to test intelligence and knowledge. Traditional Chinese riddles often involve wordplay based on the structure and meanings of Chinese characters. During festivals like the Lantern Festival (元宵节, Yuánxiāo Jié), lantern riddles (灯谜, dēngmí) are particularly popular. These riddles are written on lanterns, and solving them is considered good luck. The art of creating and solving riddles continues to be an important part of Chinese cultural heritage.
7. Example Sentence
中文: 这个谜语很难，我解不出来。
Pinyin: Zhè ge míyǔ hěn nán, wǒ jiě bù chūlái.
English: This riddle is very difficult; I can't solve it.
8. Memory Tips
The character \"谜\" is composed of two parts: \"讠\" (yán) meaning \"speech\" and \"迷\" (mí) meaning \"to be lost\" or \"to be confused\". You can remember it by thinking: \"A riddle is something that makes people 'lost' in thought, and it is expressed through 'speech'.\" The \"讠\" radical indicates that this character is related to language or speech, which connects to the idea of riddles being expressed verbally or in writing. Comparing it to its component character \"迷\" can also help you remember both characters and their distinct meanings.