Meaning
照 is a versatile character that primarily means 'to shine' or 'to illuminate,' but also commonly means 'to take a photograph' or serves as a noun meaning 'photo.' As a preposition, it means 'according to' or 'in accordance with.' The character combines the idea of light and reflection.
Usage
Native speakers use 照 frequently in everyday contexts: 照相 (take a photo), 护照 (passport), 照顾 (take care of). As a preposition, 照...来说 or 照我看 are common patterns. In photography contexts, 照片 is the standard word for 'photograph.' The 'according to' usage appears often in formal or written Chinese.
Examples
- 01太阳照在窗户上。.The sun shines on the window.
- 02我们在长城照了很多相。.We took many photos at the Great Wall.
Measure words
- 张一张照片
Common collocations
- 照相机camera
- 护照passport
- 照常as usual
- 照样in the same way, all the same
Origin
The character 照 consists of the fire radical 灬 (huǒ) at the bottom, suggesting light or heat, and 昭 (zhāo) at the top, which provides the phonetic component and also carries meanings related to brightness and clarity.