noun HSK 5
chestnut · trembling (literary)
Meaning
This character primarily refers to the chestnut tree or its edible nuts, which are popular in Chinese cuisine and culture. As a literary term, it can also mean 'trembling' or 'shivering,' though this usage is less common in modern speech.
Usage
Most commonly used in compound words related to chestnuts, such as 栗子 (lìzi, chestnut). When appearing alone, it typically refers to the chestnut tree or nut in formal or written contexts. The 'trembling' meaning appears mainly in classical Chinese or formal literary writing.
Examples
- 01秋天的时候，街上到处都是卖糖炒栗子的。, .In autumn, there are sugar-roasted chestnut vendors everywhere on the streets.
- 02他看到那个场景，不禁战栗起来。, .Upon seeing that scene, he couldn't help but shudder.
Measure words
- 颗一颗栗子
- 个一个栗子
Common collocations
- 栗子chestnut
- 糖炒栗子sugar-roasted chestnuts
- 栗色chestnut color, maroon
Origin
The character combines 木 (tree) with 西 (west), though the connection to 'west' is not etymologically clear. It is a pictophonetic character where the component provides phonetic information.