Chinese Character: 秘
1. Character Basics
Radical: 禾 (hé) - Grain radical
Stroke Count: 10 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: mì (Fourth tone) or bì (Fourth tone) - Most commonly pronounced as mì
3. Meaning
Secret; mysterious; confidential; hidden; esoteric
4. Common Words
- 秘密 (mìmì) - Secret; confidentiality
- 神秘 (shénmì) - Mysterious; mystical
- 秘方 (mìfāng) - Secret recipe; esoteric formula
- 秘书 (mìshū) - Secretary; clerk
- 秘诀 (mìjué) - Secret; trick; key (to success)
- 保密 (bǎomì) - To keep secret; to maintain confidentiality
- 奥秘 (àomì) - Mystery; profound secret
- 秘境 (mìjìng) - Secret place; mysterious region
5. Grammar & Usage
The character \u0022秘\u0022 is primarily used as an adjective meaning \u0022secret\u0022 or \u0022mysterious\u0022. It is often combined with other characters to form compound words related to secrecy. When used with the pronunciation \u0022bì\u0022, it typically appears in more formal or literary contexts, such as in the word \u0022秘闻\u0022 (bìwén) meaning \u0022inside story\u0022 or \u0022secret news\u0022. As an adjective, it can modify nouns directly, as in \u0022秘道\u0022 (mìdào) meaning \u0022secret passage\u0022.
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, the concept of \u0022secret\u0022 (秘) holds significant importance. Traditional Chinese medicine often features \u0022secret formulas\u0022 (秘方) passed down through generations, believed to possess special healing properties. Additionally, the idea of maintaining confidentiality is highly valued in both personal relationships and business dealings. In literature and art, mysterious elements (神秘元素) have long been used to create intrigue and depth, reflecting a cultural appreciation for the unknown and the profound.
7. Example Sentence
请保守这个秘密，不要告诉任何人。
Please keep this secret and don't tell anyone.
8. Memory Tips
The character \u0022秘\u0022 consists of \u0022禾\u0022 (hé) meaning \u0022grain\u0022 or \u0022crop\u0022 on the left and \u0022必\u0022 (bì) meaning \u0022must\u0022 on the right. You can remember it as \u0022must keep grain secret\u0022 - in ancient times, storing grain was a closely guarded secret for survival. The pronunciation \u0022mì\u0022 rhymes with the English word \u0022me\u0022 but with a rising then falling (fourth) tone.