Meaning
树 refers to a tree, one of the most fundamental vocabulary words in Mandarin. It's a pictophonetic character combining the wood radical 木 with a phonetic component. This word is essential for describing nature, discussing plants, and is used in countless compound words and expressions related to trees, forests, and growth.
Usage
This is an everyday word used by all speakers. It appears in both literal contexts (describing actual trees) and figurative expressions. Native speakers commonly use it with measure words like 棵 when counting trees. It forms the basis for many compound words related to plants and tree-based objects.
Examples
- 01公园里有很多树。.There are many trees in the park.
- 02这棵树已经一百多岁了。.This tree is already over a hundred years old.
Measure words
- 棵一棵树
Common collocations
- 种树to plant trees
- 砍树to cut down trees
- 树下under the tree
- 爬树to climb trees
Origin
The traditional form 樹 combines 木 (wood) with 豆 and 寸, though the simplified form 树 uses 对 as a phonetic component. The character has represented 'tree' for thousands of years.