Radicals & Components (汉字部首)
Radicals are the semantic DNA of Chinese writing. Over 85% of Chinese characters are phono-semantic compounds where the radical provides the clue to meaning.
Combines with other elements to form words related to human actions, attributes, and relationships.
Originally the pictograph of splashing water drops, found in characters relating to liquids, rivers, washing, and weather.
Depicts a tree with roots and branches; used for wooden objects, plants, forests, and construction.
Represents an open mouth, found in verbs of speaking, eating, tasting, sounds, and punctuation questions.
Depicts three fingers and wrist of a hand; indicates physical actions performed with hands and fingers.
Pictograph of a woman kneeling respectfully; appears in female family members, marriage, and beauty words.
Ancient view placed thoughts, feelings, and consciousness in the physical heart.
Two tufts of sprouting grass; indicates flowers, vegetables, tea, medicines, and flora.
Represents footprints along a crossroads; found in verbs of travelling, distance, passing time, and returning.
A mouth emitting sound waves; found in words concerning language, speaking, reading, and discourse.
Depicts the sun disk; forms characters related to daylight, time, seasons, brightness, and warmth.
Flames rising up or four embers beneath a cooking pot; used in heat, cooking, and illumination.