Meanings of 子
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About 子
Podcast: 子
Podcast: 子
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AI Study Notes for 子
儿 (ér, child) — use 子 (zǐ) for formal or literary contexts, while 儿 (ér) is more colloquial.
Learners often confuse 子 with similar characters like 孩 (hái, child) or 童 (tóng, child/youth), which have different nuances. It is versatile and can be used in formal and informal contexts, but care should be taken with its tonal pronunciation to avoid miscommunication.
Although 子 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is foundational due to its prevalence in family vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Students at lower levels should focus on recognizing it in compound words like 孩子 (hái zǐ, child) and using it in simple sentences.
Learners often mistakenly use 子 as a standalone term for all children, whereas it specifically denotes sons or young children. For example, saying '我有三个子' (Wǒ yǒu sān gè zǐ) is incorrect; it should be '我有三个孩子' (Wǒ yǒu sān gè hái zǐ).
Pronunciation of 子
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Etymology of 子
Pictograph of a small child with its two arms outstretched.
A child in a wrap, with outstretched arms but bundled legs
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 子
Pictograph of a small child with its two arms outstretched.
- 1The giveawayA child in a wrap, with outstretched arms but bundled legs
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 子? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 子?
Decomposition of 子
Identify the Components
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How to say son in Chinese
“son” in Chinese is子
The character 子 (zǐ) primarily means 'son' or 'child' and can also refer to 'seed' or 'egg.' It is used in various contexts, such as family terms, time references (11 p.m. to 1 a.m.), and even in traditional nobility titles. This character is significant in Chinese culture, reflecting both familial connections and broader concepts of origins and beginnings.
When to use 子
Learners often confuse 子 with similar characters like 孩 (hái, child) or 童 (tóng, child/youth), which have different nuances. It is versatile and can be used in formal and informal contexts, but care should be taken with its tonal pronunciation to avoid miscommunication.
子 or something close to it
儿 (ér, child) — use 子 (zǐ) for formal or literary contexts, while 儿 (ér) is more colloquial.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 子 as a standalone term for all children, whereas it specifically denotes sons or young children. For example, saying '我有三个子' (Wǒ yǒu sān gè zǐ) is incorrect; it should be '我有三个孩子' (Wǒ yǒu sān gè hái zǐ).
Write 子
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Practice writing 子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 子
子 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 11 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
书在桌____上。
The book is on the table.
Common Confusions with 子
Different meanings with similar pronunciation.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "son"?
Example Sentences for 子 (22)
Word Family of 子
Compound Meaning
What does 好 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 子
In the Chinese zodiac, 子 (zǐ) represents the year of the Rat and corresponds to the midnight hours. It is considered a time of new beginnings and is associated with intelligence and adaptability. People born in the year of the Rat are often thought to be resourceful and clever.
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