noun HSK 3
cross · crucifix · the character '十'
Meaning
十字 literally means 'ten character' but refers to the cross shape (✚) or crucifix. It combines 十 (ten) and 字 (character), describing the crossed lines that form both the numeral ten and the Christian cross symbol.
Usage
Commonly used in compound words like 十字路口 (crossroads) and 红十字会 (Red Cross). When referring to the Christian cross specifically, context makes this clear. In everyday speech, it often appears in navigation contexts describing intersections.
Examples
- 01在十字路口向左转。.Turn left at the crossroads.
- 02红十字会为灾民提供了紧急援助。.The Red Cross provided emergency aid to the disaster victims.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个十字
Common collocations
- 十字路口crossroads
- 十字架crucifix
- 红十字red cross
- 十字绣cross-stitch embroidery
Origin
The word derives from the visual resemblance between the Chinese character 十 (ten) and the cross shape. The character 十 consists of one vertical and one horizontal stroke intersecting, forming a cross.