住 from HSK Level 1 Vocabulary List

The Chinese character 住 (zhù) for "to live" or "to reside" is composed of two parts: the radical 宀 (miàn), which represents a roof or a house, and the phonetic component 止 (zhǐ), which means "to stop" or "to stay". The combination of these two components suggests the idea of staying under a roof, which is the essence of living or residing.The character 住 has a rich history and has been used in Chinese writing for thousands of years. Its earliest form can be traced back to the oracle bone script, where it was depicted as a simple drawing of a house with a person inside. Over time, the character evolved and simplified into its current form.In modern Chinese, 住 is commonly used as a verb meaning "to live" or "to reside". It can also be used as a noun to refer to a place of residence, such as a house or an apartment. Additionally, 住 can be used in various compound words and phrases to express different meanings related to living or residing.For example, the word 住址 (zhùzhǐ) means "address", combining 住 (to live) with 址 (place). The phrase 住院 (zhùyùan) means "to be hospitalized", combining 住 (to live) with 院 (hospital). And the word 居住 (jūzhù) means "to live" or "to reside", combining 居 (to live) with 住 (to live).Understanding the etymology of Chinese characters can provide valuable insights into their meanings and usage. By exploring the origins and components of characters like 住, HSK learners can deepen their understanding of the Chinese language and enhance their ability to communicate effectively.