About
The character 条 is composed of the upper component 夂 (a downward-pointing foot) above the radical 木 (tree or wood). In its traditional form 條, the right side is more elaborate and includes an additional human element on the left. Etymologically, it refers to the long, slender branches and twigs extending from a tree trunk. From this literal image of a flexible branch, the meaning broadened to serve as a measure word for long, narrow objects like rivers, roads, snakes, and trousers. It also extends to abstract concepts arranged in sequence, such as rules, regulations, and items in a list.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这条马路很宽。
我需要一条干净的毛巾。
那条新闻很重要。
这条裙子太长了。
河边有一条弯曲的小路。
请遵守以下三条规则。
双方签订了一条新条约。
他清晰地列出了三条反对的理由。