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    Chinese Grammar

    Understanding the character 木 (mù) for 'wood'

    Description & Modification
    Numbers & Quantity

    Explanation

    木 (mù) means "wood" or "tree" and is one of the Five Elements (五行) in Chinese philosophy. It is a common radical in Chinese characters related to trees and wood, such as 林 (forest) and 树 (tree). As an element, it represents growth, vitality, and spring.

    Examples

    • 这张桌子是木头做的，很结实。

      zhè zhāng zhuōzi shì mùtou zuò de, hěn jiēshi.

      This table is made of wood — it's very sturdy.

    • 木是五行之一，代表春天和生长。

      mù shì wǔxíng zhī yī, dàibiǎo chūntiān hé shēngzhǎng.

      Wood is one of the Five Elements, representing spring and growth.

    • 院子里种了好几棵木兰花。

      yuànzi lǐ zhòng le hǎo jǐ kē mùlánhuā.

      Several magnolia trees have been planted in the yard.

    Understanding the character 木 (mù) for 'wood' | Chinese Grammar