Definitions

huà (verb) to draw; to paint
huà (noun) painting; picture; drawing

Etymology

Pictograph of a hand holding a writing utensil () and drawing something. The component was deleted for simplification.

About

The character "画" originates from the traditional form "畫", which integrates the component "聿" symbolizing a brush and "田" symbolizing a field, indicating an initial association with marking boundaries or delineating land. Over time, its meaning expanded from this specific act of demarcation to encompass the general action of drawing or painting, as well as the resulting artwork. The contemporary form "画" retains the "田" element while presenting a structurally simplified composition, yet it continues to convey these core concepts related to depiction and visual representation.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
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 Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢

Wǒ xǐhuān huàhuà.

I like drawing.

了一只猫。

Tā huàle yī zhī māo.

He drew a cat.

这幅很漂亮。

Zhè fú huà hěn piàoliang.

This painting is very beautiful.

我们在美术课上

Wǒmen zài měishù kè shàng huàhuà.

We draw in art class.

家用笔创作。

Huàjiā yòng huàbǐ chuàngzuò.

The painter uses a brush to create.

她正在一幅风景

Tā zhèngzài huà yī fú fēngjǐng huà.

She is drawing a landscape painting.

这幅展示了美丽的自然风光。

Zhè fú huà zhǎnshìle měilì de zìrán fēngguāng.

This painting shows beautiful natural scenery.

通过,他可以表达自己的情感。

Tōngguò huàhuà, tā kěyǐ biǎodá zìjǐ de qínggǎn.

Through drawing, he can express his emotions.