出 chū — to go out, to come out; to produce, to issue, to put forth; to happen (of a problem); a measure word for plays and operas
拼音
- chū (first tone, high and level)
to go out, to come out; to produce, to issue, to put forth; to happen (of a problem); a measure word for plays and operas
字形拆解
- 凵meaning partno entry yetThe pit: a hollow dwelling dug into the ground.
- 出shape partThe oldest form sets a footprint 止 above the pit — a foot stepping out. The modern shape looks like two 山 stacked, but no mountain was ever in it.
Mnemonic
A foot stepping up out of a pit-dwelling — that is the picture, however much the modern five strokes look like two little mountains. It is the exact opposite of 进, and it pairs the same way: 出来 come out, 出去 go out. Then the extensions: 出发 to set off, 出生 to be born, 出租车 a taxi, a vehicle put out for hire.
A memory aid written by HSK Guide editors. It is not an etymology and does not describe the historical origin of the character.