子zǐ

子

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Simplified · Today

简体

Simplified Chinese

Modern simplified form (簡體). 子 (zǐ, "child") appears unchanged from antiquity, depicting a swaddled infant with outstretched arms and legs — a tender pictograph that has represented offspring for three millennia. As a radical, it shapes the meaning of characters like 学 (study), 孩 (child), and 孝 (filial piety), while also serving as a respectful suffix in words like 君子 (gentleman).

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Shuowen

The character 子 depicts an infant: a large rounded head dominates the upper portion, while two bent arms reach outward as if embracing or being held. This pictograph captures the vulnerable, dependent nature of a young child, which became its original meaning of "child" or "baby." The form simplified over time into the strokes we recognize today, but the essence of helplessness and youth remains at its core. It also became a respectful form of address for teachers or learned men, as the child represents the beginning of knowledge.

Pinyin

zǐ· HSK 1· Radical 子

子zǐ

Character evolution

Shuowen

Pinyin