林

lín

Definitions

lín (noun) woods; forest

lín (noun) group; collection (of similar things)

Etymology

Combination of two trees (木).

About

林 is composed of two 木 (mù) trees side by side, visually suggesting a multitude of trees and thus meaning "forest" or "grove". Beyond this literal sense, it often metaphorically describes a dense gathering, such as a concentration of scholars or a cluster of tall buildings. It is a common surname and a productive component in characters related to wood or large collections.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

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 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)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这片树林很茂密。

Zhè piàn shùlín hěn màomì.

This woods is very dense.

我们去森林里探险。

Wǒmen qù sēnlín lǐ tànxiǎn.

We go adventuring in the forest.

竹林在春天格外美丽。

Zhúlín zài chūntiān géwài měilì.

The bamboo forest is especially beautiful in spring.

林荫道上铺满了落叶。

Línyīn dào shàng pū mǎn le luòyè.

The tree-lined road is covered with fallen leaves.

保护森林对环境有益。

Bǎohù sēnlín duì huánjìng yǒuyì.

Protecting forests is beneficial to the environment.

他在林业局工作多年。

Tā zài línyè jú gōngzuò duō nián.

He has worked in the forestry bureau for many years.

城市规划包括森林公园的建设。

Chéngshì guīhuà bāokuò sēnlín gōngyuán de jiànshè.

Urban planning includes the construction of forest parks.

林业的可持续发展需要科学管理。

Línyè de kě chíxù fāzhǎn xūyào kēxué guǎnlǐ.

The sustainable development of forestry requires scientific management.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 木

Example Words