About

The word **果子** (guǒzi), meaning "fruit," is a classic example of a Chinese compound noun formed through semantic combination and suffixation. Its formation begins with the core morpheme **果** (guǒ), which independently means "fruit" or "result." The character **子** (zi) is then added as a nominal suffix, a common feature in Mandarin that often serves to disyllabify words, creating a more rhythmic and colloquial form. While **子** can be a meaningful word for "child," here it functions grammatically, softening the term and marking it as a tangible, everyday object. Thus, **果子** is not a simple "fruit + child" metaphor but a standardized lexical unit where the suffix **子** completes the word, making it a natural, everyday term for edible fruit.

Word Definition - 果子

guǒ zi fruit; variant of 餜子|馃子[guǒ zi]

Individual Character Details