In this lesson, read through the information for each character. In your character notebook, draw a picture or cartoon of the story that will help you remember the character. Then take the quiz.
进
jìn
advance [v.]
井jǐng + 辶
well + road
advance from well to well on the road
"Advance to the Well: As extended families attempt to stay together on the road, often messages are left for those who will follow behind. An example: “Advance to the Well.” (1930's On the Road)
叫
jiào
call [v.]
口 + 丩jiū
mouth + horn
use mouth on the horn to call out
“His first horn was a straight one, just meant for callin’ the troops.” (Trumpeter Wu)
再
zài
once more
一 + 冂 + 土
one + hood + soil
If I have to ask you once more…pick up your hoodie from the soil!
见
jiàn
see
目 + 儿
eye + human legs
見 is the traditional character of 见, showing that when you see something, it's like your eyes arrive there
中
zhōng
middle
口 + 丨
mouth + stick
a stick goes through the middle of something
国
guó
country
囗 + 玉
enclose + jade
country’s wealth (jade) is enclosed, crown jewels protected
美
měi
beautiful
羊 + 大
sheep + large
in pastoral societies, nothing is more beautiful than a large sheep
起
qǐ
start up
走 + 己jǐ
walk + snake
You are tying your shoe and see a snake. You start up quickly and walk away with your friend.
Cherokee legend of the boy walking up the mountain and the rattlesnake who asked to go with him: "You knew what I was when you started up."
写
xiě
write
冖 + 与
crown + offer/slingshot
written offer of marriage from the crown
"The Crown Prince is learning to write at a desk, but his slingshot is underneath." (Royal Family)
