Chinese Character: 密
1. Character Basics
Radical: 山 (shān) - Mountain radical
Stroke Count: 11 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: mì (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Dense; thick; close; secret; intimate; careful
4. Common Words
- 秘密 (mìmì) - Secret
- 密度 (mìdù) - Density
- 密切 (mìqiè) - Close; intimate
- 茂密 (màomì) - Lush; dense
- 严密 (yánmì) - Strict; tight
- 精密 (jīngmì) - Precise; accurate
- 密友 (mìyǒu) - Close friend
- 加密 (jiāmì) - To encrypt; to encode
5. Grammar & Usage
The character \u0022密\u0022 is primarily used as an adjective describing density, secrecy, or intimacy. It often modifies nouns directly in phrases like \u0022密林\u0022 (mìlín) meaning \u0022dense forest\u0022 or \u0022密件\u0022 (mìjiàn) meaning \u0022confidential document\u0022. When used with the particle \u0022的\u0022 (de), it forms adjectival phrases like \u0022密密的\u0022 (mìmì de) meaning \u0022dense\u0022 or \u0022thick\u0022. In some cases, it can also be part of compound verbs like \u0022保密\u0022 (bǎomì) meaning \u0022to keep secret\u0022.
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, the concept of \u0022密\u0022 (mì) holds various cultural significances. The character's original meaning related to density evolved to include ideas of secrecy and privacy, which are highly valued in Chinese society. Traditional Chinese gardens often feature \u0022密径\u0022 (mìjìng) or hidden paths, reflecting a cultural appreciation for privacy and contemplation. Additionally, the importance of maintaining confidentiality in relationships and business dealings is deeply rooted in Chinese cultural values, as expressed through terms like \u0022密友\u0022 (mìyǒu) for close friends and \u0022密谈\u0022 (mìtán) for private conversations.
7. Example Sentence
这两个国家有着密切的贸易关系。
These two countries have close trade relations.
8. Memory Tips
The character \u0022密\u0022 consists of \u0022山\u0022 (shān) meaning \u0022mountain\u0022 on top and \u0022宓\u0022 (mì) below. You can remember it as \u0022a secret hidden in the mountains\u0022. The pronunciation \u0022mì\u0022 rhymes with the English word \u0022me\u0022 but with a falling (fourth) tone. The character's meaning of density can also be visualized as many things packed closely together, like trees in a dense forest.