新娘

The Chinese word 新娘 (xīnniáng) for "bride" is composed of two characters: 新 (xīn), meaning "new," and 娘 (niáng), meaning "girl" or "young woman." Together, these characters convey the idea of a "new bride," or a woman who is newly married.The character 新 (xīn) has a long history in Chinese, dating back to the oracle bone script of the Shang dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BC). In its original form, the character depicted a sprout emerging from the ground, symbolizing new life and growth. Over time, the character evolved to take on its current form, which is composed of the radical 艸 (cǎo), meaning "grass," and the phonetic component 斤 (jīn).The character 娘 (niáng) also has a long history in Chinese, dating back to the Warring States period (475-221 BC). In its original form, the character depicted a woman holding a child, symbolizing motherhood and fertility. Over time, the character evolved to take on its current form, which is composed of the radical 女 (nǚ), meaning "woman," and the phonetic component 良 (liáng).When combined, the characters 新 (xīn) and 娘 (niáng) form the word 新娘 (xīnniáng), which is used to refer to a bride, or a woman who is newly married. The word carries with it the connotations of new beginnings, joy, and happiness, and is often used in a celebratory context.