Understanding "手" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 手
• Pinyin: shǒu
• Literal Meaning: hand
• Primary Meaning: Refers to the physical "hand" of a person. It can also extend to mean "skill," "person involved in an activity," or "handheld items."

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• The word "手" is most commonly used to refer to the body part "hand." However, it is highly versatile and appears in many compound words and idioms.
• When combined with other characters, it can indicate professions (e.g., "歌手" - singer), skills (e.g., "手艺" - craftsmanship), or tools (e.g., "手机" - mobile phone).

• It can also symbolize control or involvement, such as in "插手" (to interfere) or "动手" (to start working or to physically act).

• Character Breakdown:

• "手" is a single-character word, but its radical (扌) often appears in characters related to hand actions, such as "打" (dǎ - to hit) or "拿" (ná - to hold).

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我的手很冷。
   Pinyin: Wǒ de shǒu hěn lěng.
   English: My hands are very cold.

2. Chinese: 她是一名优秀的歌手。
   Pinyin: Tā shì yī míng yōuxiù de gēshǒu.
   English: She is an excellent singer.

3. Chinese: 请把手机关掉。
   Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ shǒujī guān diào.
   English: Please turn off your mobile phone.

Cultural Notes

• In Chinese culture, the hand symbolizes labor, skill, and creativity. Many traditional arts, like calligraphy and pottery, emphasize the importance of "手艺" (craftsmanship).
• The phrase "高手" (gāoshǒu) literally means "high hand" and is used to describe someone highly skilled, similar to "expert" in English.
• "手" is also used metaphorically in idioms, such as "袖手旁观" (xiù shǒu páng guān), meaning "to stand by with folded arms" (i.e., to be a passive observer).

Conclusion

"手" (shǒu) is a fundamental Chinese word meaning "hand," but its usage extends far beyond the physical body part. It appears in many compound words related to skills, professions, and tools, making it an essential character to learn. Remembering its broader applications will help you understand and use it naturally in conversation.