句子
jùzi · HSK 2
sentence
📝 句 (phrase) + 子 (noun suffix) = sentence
句 alone means a phrase or clause; adding the suffix 子 turns it into the concrete noun 句子, meaning a full sentence. The same 子 suffix nominalizes many words like 桌子 (table) and 椅子 (chair).
句 — 勹 (wrap) + 口 (mouth/enclosure)
Originally a pictograph showing a hook or curve enclosing something, depicting a bend or turn. The form combines 勹 (wrap) around 口, suggesting words bound together. It later came to mean a complete sentence or phrase, the basic unit of bounded speech.
子 — pictograph of a baby/child with arms out
子 began as a pictograph of a swaddled infant with a large head and outstretched arms, originally meaning 'baby' or 'child.' From there it broadened to 'son,' 'offspring,' and a respectful suffix for masters like 孔子 (Confucius). It also became one of the twelve earthly branches.