孩子
háizi · HSK 1
child
👶 孩 (child) + 子 (suffix); 子 marks many noun words like 桌子, 椅子
孩 alone means child; adding the noun-suffix 子 gives the everyday word 孩子. The 子 suffix appears on many concrete nouns (table 桌子, chair 椅子), so spotting it flags 'this is a thing/person noun'.
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.