Basic Chinese Radicals: Characters and Meanings for Beginners

人 / 亻

PersonHuman, person, related to people

女

WomanFemale, woman, related to femininity

子

Son/ChildChild, offspring, learning

口

MouthSpeech, mouth, actions involving speaking/eating

讠

SpeechWords, language, communication

氵 / 水

WaterWater, liquid, related to fluids

日

SunDay, time, light, sun

月

Moon/FleshMoon, month, or body parts (when on left side)

王 / 玉

JadePrecious stone, jade, beauty

木

WoodTree, wood, plants

目

EyeVision, seeing

门

GateDoor, entrance

艹 (# in doc)

GrassPlants, grass, herbs

宀

RoofHouse, shelter, building

饣

FoodEating, food

彳

Step/Two-PersonWalking, movement, small steps

足

FootFoot, movement, actions with feet

竹

BambooBamboo, writing tools (like 筆), objects made of bamboo

力

PowerStrength, effort

田

FieldFarmland, field, agriculture

走

WalkWalking, movement

贝

Cowrie ShellMoney, valuables, trade

扌

HandActions with the hand (holding, doing)

刀 / 刂

KnifeCutting, sharp tools

心 / 忄

HeartFeelings, emotions, thoughts

工

WorkWork, craft, construction

衤 / 衣

ClothingClothes, garments

土

EarthGround, soil, place

火 / 灬

FireFire, heat, light

钅

MetalMetal, money, minerals

丝

SilkSilk, threads, textiles

辶

MotionMovement, walking, travel