点子
diǎnzi · HSK 7
idea
💧💡 点 = dot/drop + 子 = small thing — a tiny drop, or a small bright idea
A 点 is a dot or drop — the smallest unit. Adding 子 makes it a little drop of liquid or, figuratively, a little dot of inspiration: an idea or hint that pops up.
点 — fire radical 灬 + 占 (zhān, phonetic)
Originally written 點, a semantic-phonetic compound: 黑 (black) gave the meaning 'small black mark or dot' while 占 supplied the sound. It first referred to ink spots, then extended to 'point, drop, a little,' and verbs like 'to mark' or 'to light (a fire),' reflected in the simplified form's 灬 (fire) component.
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.