莲子
lián zǐ · HSK 7
lotus seed
🪷 莲 lotus + 子 seed = the seed of the lotus
莲 (lián) is the lotus plant; 子 (zǐ) means seed or small kernel. Together they name the edible pale seeds found in the lotus pod, common in Chinese soups and desserts.
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.