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

No, the tuition fees you have paid cover all costs.There are no additional fees or hidden charges. We strive to be transparent and upfront with our pricing, ensuring that our clients receive the best value for their investment.
Our learning is different from traditional language learning in a number of ways. Firstly, we use technology to enhance the learning experience and provide personalized learning paths for each student. Secondly, our focus is not just on language proficiency, but also on cultural understanding and practical application of the language.Thirdly, we place a strong emphasis on developing speaking and listening skills, as well as reading and writing.Additionally, we incorporate modern teaching methods and materials, such as multimedia resources and interactive exercises.Finally, our courses are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing students to learn at their own pace and according to their own schedule.
Yes, our website offers courses in both traditional and simplified Chinese characters. You can choose the character set that you want to learn based on your personal preference or learning goals.Our courses are designed to accommodate learners of all levels and backgrounds, so whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, we have resources that can help you improve your Chinese language skills.
Our instructors are highly skilled and experienced experts in Chinese language teaching, with proficiency in multiple languages. They hold at least a bachelor's degree in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, and possess extensive teaching experience and knowledge. Through a rigorous selection process and ongoing training, our instructors are equipped to provide students with authentic pronunciation, accurate language usage, and cultural background knowledge, all of which are essential for achieving mastery of the Chinese language.
Thank you for choosing Chinese Learning for your language learning needs.If you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson, please do so at least 4 hours ahead of time. To request a cancellation, please send an email to ivy.wang @chineselearning.com or service @chineselearning.com.We appreciate your cooperation and understanding, and we look forward to providing you with the best learning experience possible."
We offer a referral program that rewards both you and your friend with free classes.To participate, simply refer a friend to our program and once they successfully enroll, both you and your friend will receive free classes.We appreciate your support and look forward to helping you and your friend achieve your language learning goals.