岸

The Chinese character 岸 (àn) for "shore" or "bank" is composed of two parts: the radical 土 (tǔ) for "earth" or "soil" on the left, and the phonetic component 艮 (gěn) on the right. The radical 土 indicates that the character is related to the earth, while the phonetic component 艮 provides a clue to its pronunciation.The original form of 岸 was 壖, which was a pictograph depicting a riverbank with a steep slope. Over time, the character evolved into its current form, with the addition of the radical 土 to emphasize its connection to the earth.The character 岸 is used in a variety of words and phrases related to water and land. For example, it can be used to refer to the shore of a river, lake, or sea, or to the bank of a river or canal. It can also be used figuratively to refer to a boundary or limit, such as the boundary between land and water or the boundary between two countries.In addition to its literal meaning, 岸 can also be used in a metaphorical sense to refer to a place of safety or refuge. For example, the phrase 避风港 (bìfēnggǎng) literally means "wind-avoiding harbor" and is used to refer to a safe haven or place of refuge.Overall, the character 岸 is a versatile character with a rich history and a variety of meanings. It is an important character for HSK learners to master, as it is used in a wide range of contexts and can be a valuable tool for understanding Chinese culture and society.