Definitions

xìng (noun) apricot
xìng (noun) almond

Etymology

Depicts a fruit from a tree () that is delicious to taste ().

About

The character 杏, representing the apricot, is a compound formed by the semantic element 木, meaning tree, and the component 口, which historically acted as a phonetic marker rather than carrying its literal meaning of mouth, reflecting an earlier pronunciation that evolved into the modern reading. Its structure has remained consistent through centuries of use, with the meaning firmly anchored to the apricot tree and its fruit, and while the character has been employed in botanical, culinary, and poetic contexts, its core signification has maintained a steady focus on this specific plant without substantive semantic shift.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢吃子。

Wǒ xǐhuān chī xìngzi.

I like to eat apricots.

树开花了。

Xìngshù kāi huā le.

The apricot tree is blooming.

仁很美味。

Xìngrén hěn měiwèi.

Almonds are delicious.

子的颜色很漂亮。

Xìngzi de yánsè hěn piàoliang.

The color of apricots is very beautiful.

春天花盛开。

Chūntiān xìnghuā shèngkāi.

In spring, apricot blossoms bloom abundantly.

我买了仁饼干。

Wǒ mǎi le xìngrén bǐnggān.

I bought almond cookies.

子富含维生素。

Xìngzi fùhán wéishēngsù.

Apricots are rich in vitamins.

在果园里,树结满了果实。

Zài guǒyuán lǐ, xìngshù jié mǎn le guǒshí.

In the orchard, the apricot trees are full of fruit.