Definitions
Etymology
Origin unclear. Originally an X-shape.
About
五 originally depicted an X-shape, though its origin is obscure. In its modern form, horizontal and vertical strokes intersect to create a stable, square-like character. It serves as the cardinal number five and has given rise to extended meanings in Chinese philosophy, such as the five elements (五行), five directions, and five flavors. The character is a simple ideograph: its intersecting lines evoke the midpoint between one and ten, conveying the number without phonetic or semantic radicals.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我有五个苹果。
今天星期五。
五点钟放学。
这本书五元钱。
五个人一起吃饭。
他五岁开始学钢琴。
第五节课是数学课。
如果你五点来，我就等你。
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.