Hanzi Alive!(17)

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Chinese characters hold the wisdom hidden in gestures - '右' (yòu) is formed by combining 'hand' with 'mouth,' symbolizing the smoothness of doing tasks while talking; '左' (zuǒ) combines 'hand' with 'work,' depicting the focused measurement with a ruler; '回' (huí) traces out the winding path leading home. These three characters freeze-framed the daily life of ancient people through actions.

右(yòu)

Explanation

  • The original form of "右" was simply a depiction of a right hand, later incorporating "口" for clarification. It signifies the idea of people often using their right hand while simultaneously speaking.

Example 

  • Turn right at the traffic light.  
    在红绿灯处向右转。  
    zài hóng lǜ dēng chù xiàng yòu zhuǎn.
  • The book is on your right side.  
    书在你的右边。  
    shū zài nǐ de yòu biān.

Find and circle "右" in the image

左(zuǒ)

Explanation

  • The original form of "左" was solely a representation of a left hand. The addition of "工" later symbolizes a tool held by the left hand, likely a ruler, as people often hold a ruler with their left hand while using their right hand to mark or draw.

Example 

  • The store is on the left side.  
    商店在左边。  
    shāng diàn zài zuǒ biān.
  • Write with your left hand.  
    用左手写字。  
    yòng zuǒ shǒu xiě zì.

Find and circle "左" in the image

回(huí)

Explanation

  • The character "回" is frequently used in expressions like "回家" (return home) and "回来" (come back). Evolving from the image of a river bend, "回" conveys the meanings of circling or returning.

Example 

  • I will return home at 6 PM.  
    我六点钟回家。  
    wǒ liù diǎn zhōng huí jiā.
  • The ball bounced back.  
    球弹回来了。  
    qiú tán huí lái le.

Find and circle "回" in the image

Now you have grasped this set of 'directional codes': the efficiency of the right hand, the precision of the left hand, and the warmth of returning home with '回' - Chinese characters serve as a time capsule, preserving the gestures of life from three thousand years ago within the strokes.

Sign up for a free trial now!

FAQ / Tips

Before starting any Chinese language course, the teacher will assess your Chinese language proficiency level through a placement test.This helps to determine your current level of understanding and ability in Chinese, and allows the teacher to tailor the course materials and teaching methods to your specific needs and goals. The placement test may include assessments of your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.Based on the results of the test, the teacher will be able to recommend an appropriate course of study for you.
Our teaching methodology is centered around our students and their individual learning objectives.We provide personalized learning plans, innovative and flexible teaching materials and methods, and strive to make learning Chinese a joyful and enjoyable experience.Our approach is designed to engage students and foster a deep understanding of the Chinese language, culture, and customs. We believe that learning should be fun and meaningful, and we work hard to ensure that every student enjoys their Chinese language learning journey with us.
Certainly, we offer a complimentary 30 - minute trial lesson for you to experience our services before committing to a purchase.This will allow you to gain a better understanding of our qualified tutors, innovative teaching methods, comprehensive class materials, and more.We are committed to providing you with the highest level of service and ensuring your satisfaction with our courses.
Our Chinese learning method is focused on personalized and interactive one-on-one lessons with a professional teacher. The lessons are conducted live through our online teaching platform, which allows you to see and talk to the teacher. You can schedule the lessons at a time that suits you, and the teacher will tailor the lesson content to your specific needs and goals. During the lesson, you can ask questions and receive feedback from the teacher to ensure you understand and master the knowledge and skills being taught. We also have a student service team and academic coordinator team to assist you with your learning and provide any additional support you may need.Overall, our method is designed to be flexible, personalized, and interactive to help you achieve your language learning goals.
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for all new students.If you are not satisfied with our services within the first month, you may cancel your lessons and receive a refund for any unused lessons.We will only charge you for the first month of lessons, and refund the remaining balance to you promptly.Our goal is to ensure your satisfaction with our services, and we strive to provide the highest quality of instruction and support to all of our students.
As a first - time student, if you are not completely satisfied with our service, we offer a cancellation policy that allows you to cancel your subscription before the first month. In such cases, we only charge a one - month fee and refund the remaining balance to you as soon as possible.We strive to ensure that our customers are fully satisfied with our service and are committed to providing a hassle - free refund process.