Definitions
(noun)
child; son
(noun)
small thing
(particle)
(noun suffix)
Etymology
Pictograph of a small child with its two arms waving.
About
子 (zǐ) is a pictograph depicting an infant swaddled in cloth, with a prominent head, outstretched arms, and a single stroke for the bound legs. Its core meaning denotes offspring or children, a sense that extended to the seeds or young of plants and animals. In classical texts, it also serves as an honorific title for respected masters. In modern Chinese, it frequently functions as a noun suffix, forming two-syllable words without contributing independent meaning.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这个孩子很聪明。
我的儿子在上学。
请把书放在桌子上。
农民正在播种种子。
士兵小心地装填子弹。
水分子由两个氢原子组成。
现代手机使用电子支付。
量子物理学研究微观粒子行为。