兆

zhào

Definitions

zhào (noun) omen; sign

zhào (verb) to foretell; to predict

zhào (numeral) trillion; mega-; tera-

Etymology

Originally a pictograph of two people escaping a flood. Based on the original meaning "escape", now written as 逃. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.

About

The character 兆 was originally a pictograph of two people escaping a flood, with the meaning "escape", now written as 逃. Later, it was borrowed phonetically to represent omens and portents. As numerical systems evolved, 兆 was also adopted for large numbers; depending on historical and regional standards, it has signified a million, a trillion, or a billion. Today, it serves as the prefix for mega- in scientific and technological contexts.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这是一个好兆头。

Zhè shì yī gè hǎo zhàotou.

This is a good omen.

电脑有一兆内存。

Diànnǎo yǒu yī zhào nèicún.

The computer has one megabyte of memory.

兆亿人民庆祝国庆。

Zhào yì rénmín qìngzhù guóqìng.

Billions of people celebrate National Day.

地震前常有征兆。

Dìzhèn qián cháng yǒu zhēngzhào.

There are often signs before an earthquake.

这款手机的网速达到百兆。

Zhè kuǎn shǒujī de wǎngsù dádào bǎi zhào.

This phone's internet speed reaches hundreds of megabytes.

经济显示兆级增长趋势。

Jīngjì xiǎnshì zhào jí zēngzhǎng qūshì.

The economy shows a mega-level growth trend.

兆伏高压电需谨慎处理。

Zhào fú gāo yādiàn xū jǐnshèn chǔlǐ.

Megavolt high-voltage electricity needs to be handled carefully.

数据分析预兆市场将繁荣。

Shùjù fēnxī yùzhào shìchǎng jiāng fánróng.

Data analysis foretells that the market will prosper.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 兆

Example Words