Definitions
(adjective)
white
(adjective)
pure; clear; blank; empty
(adverb)
in vain; for nothing
(verb)
to explain; to state
Etymology
Origin unclear. Possibly depicts a thumb or a person's face.
About
The character "白" initially denoted the color white, and its modern form is a simple, indivisible character that functions as a radical in the writing system. From this core meaning, its semantic scope widened to incorporate associated ideas such as brightness, purity, and emptiness, while in classical usage it also developed verbal meanings like to state or explain. These extended senses are reflected in modern compounds, where "白" can convey clarity, as in "明白", or plainness, as in "白话".
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
天空是白色的。
我买了一件白衬衫。
他白跑了一趟。
我终于明白了。
白天工作，晚上学习。
他的头发都白了。
这部电影白看了一场。
她白费了不少心思。