教
jiāo · HSK 1
teach
🧑🏫 教 = 孝 (filial) + 攵 (tap/strike) — elder taps lesson into child
The left side 孝 means filial piety (child under elder); the right 攵 is a hand holding a stick, the classic radical for action or discipline. Together: an elder guiding a child through correction — to teach.
教 — 老 (filial son being taught) + 攵 (hand with stick)
教 originally depicted an adult holding a stick or rod (攵) instructing a child, often shown with the element 爻 (lessons/counting) above 子 (child). It is a classic associative compound meaning 'to teach' or 'to instruct,' with the right side suggesting discipline and guidance. The modern meanings 'teach, religion, doctrine' all extend from this image of formal instruction.