Category Archives: Building

Home: roof + pig

In ancient times, most Chinese raised pigs in their homes. A roof with a pig becomes the character for home. 家人 is family member(s). (listen:) family member  • 家: home. Pronunciation: jiā (1) • 人: person or people. Pronunciation: rén (2)

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Out: mountain + mountain

When you go outside, you might see mountains beyond mountains. (relating to mountains, San Francisco is “old gold mountain” in Chinese.) How to you find exits in Chinese buildings? Look for the sign that says: (listen:) exit  • 出: out. Pronunciation: chū (1) … Continue reading

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