Definitions
About
物 is a phono-semantic compound: the left-side radical 牛 (ox) contributes the meaning, while the right-side component 勿 provides the sound. Its earliest recorded sense was "variety", alluding to the multicolored coat of a cow. Over centuries, the meaning generalized to refer to any physical object, substance, or living thing, the common word "thing". Because oxen were among the most valued possessions in ancient China, the ox radical also connotes property and material goods, and 物 now forms the basis for many scientific and everyday terms in physics, biology, and general items.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我喜欢小动物。
这个食物很好吃。
植物需要阳光。
我收到一个礼物。
请保管好你的物品。
水是重要的物质。
我对物理很感兴趣。
博物馆里有很多历史文物。
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.