石头
Overview
The Chinese word '石头' (shítou) is a fundamental term referring to a 'stone' or 'rock'. It is a common noun used to describe the hard, solid, non-metallic mineral matter that forms the earth's crust. The word is composed of two characters: '石' (shí) and '头' (tou).
'石' (shí) is the primary character and also functions as the radical for this word. It directly means 'stone' or 'rock' on its own. As a radical, it often indicates that a character's meaning is related to rocks, minerals, or hard substances. For example, characters like 矿 (kuàng - mine/ore), 砂 (shā - sand), and 砖 (zhuān - brick) all contain the '石' radical, reflecting their connection to stony or earthen materials. The character '石' itself is an ideogram, representing a rock or stone. Its ancient form depicted a cliff with a stone underneath, visually conveying its meaning.
'头' (tou) in this context is a neutral-toned suffix that often indicates a noun, or sometimes serves to make a noun more informal or less formal. While '头' literally means 'head' in other contexts (e.g., 头部 - tóubù, head), when appended to nouns like '石', it doesn't carry its literal meaning but rather functions as a grammatical particle. Other examples of '头' functioning as a suffix include 木头 (mùtou - wood), 舌头 (shétou - tongue), and 骨头 (gǔtou - bone). In these cases, '头' doesn't add a new meaning but rather completes the noun form.
Therefore, '石头' combines the core meaning of 'stone' from '石' with the nominalizing suffix '头' to form the common word for 'stone' or 'rock'. It can refer to a single small pebble, a large boulder, or the general material of rock.
Usage examples:
- '一块石头' (yī kuài shítou) - 'a piece of stone' or 'a rock'. '块' (kuài) is a common measure word for pieces or lumps of things.
- '石头路' (shítou lù) - 'stone road' or 'rocky path'.
- '扔石头' (rēng shítou) - 'to throw a stone'.
- '石头剪刀布' (shítou jiǎndāo bù) - 'rock, paper, scissors' (a common game).
In literature and poetry, '石头' can evoke imagery of strength, permanence, or sometimes stubbornness. Geologically, it refers to the natural solid aggregate of one or more minerals. The concept of 'stone' is ubiquitous in human civilization, used for tools, construction, art, and symbolism across cultures, and '石头' serves as the primary term for this fundamental element in the Chinese language.
Exemples
这块石头很光滑。
Describing the texture of a stone.This stone is very smooth.
他搬起一块大石头。
Describing the action of moving a rock.He lifted a large rock.
石头剪刀布是一种游戏。
Referring to the game 'rock-paper-scissors'.Rock-paper-scissors is a game.
我看到一块石头掉进了水里。
Describing an observation involving a stone.I saw a stone fall into the water.
这些山是由巨大的石头组成的。
Describing the composition of mountains.These mountains are composed of huge rocks.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
rock, paper, scissors
Souvent confondu avec
Modèles grammaticaux
Comment l'utiliser
Notes d'usage
The word '石头' (shítou) is a common and versatile noun in Mandarin Chinese, referring broadly to 'stone' or 'rock.' It can be used for anything from small pebbles to large boulders. When referring to specific types of stones, more precise terms are often used, such as '宝石' (bǎoshí) for 'gemstone,' '玉' (yù) for 'jade,' or '大理石' (dàlǐshí) for 'marble.' '石头' can also be used metaphorically. For example, '心如磐石' (xīn rú pánshí) literally means 'heart like a rock,' describing someone resolute and unwavering. '绊脚石' (bànjiǎoshí) refers to a 'stumbling block' or obstacle. The word is generally neutral in tone. When used in casual conversation, it might appear in phrases like '捡石头' (jiǎn shítou - to pick up stones) or '一块石头' (yī kuài shítou - a piece of rock). It can also be part of compound words describing stony terrains or geological features.
Erreurs courantes
150 WORDS.
Astuces
Usage in common phrases
Distinction from other similar words
Cultural significance
Origine du mot
The character 石 is a pictogram of a rock or stone. It depicts a cliff or mountain (厂) with a rock or stone (口) beneath it. The character has been used to refer to rocks and stones since ancient times. It is also used as a radical in other characters related to stone, such as 破 (pò, to break) and 砂 (shā, sand).
Contexte culturel
In Chinese culture, '石头' (shítou) or stone/rock, holds multifaceted symbolic meanings deeply embedded in art, literature, and philosophy. It is often associated with durability, steadfastness, and endurance, representing qualities admired in individuals. In traditional Chinese gardens, rocks are essential elements, meticulously chosen and placed to evoke natural landscapes and create a sense of harmony and tranquility. They symbolize mountains and the larger cosmos, inviting contemplation and philosophical reflection. 'Jade,' a precious stone, holds particular significance, embodying purity, wisdom, and moral integrity. The phrase '点石成金' (diǎn shí chéng jīn), 'to touch a stone and turn it into gold,' signifies the ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, often used to praise someone's exceptional talent or Midas touch. Furthermore, in folk tales and legends, stones can be imbued with spiritual power or act as witnesses to ancient events, connecting the physical world with the mystical.
Astuce mémo
mnemonic
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsTeste-toi
这块[ ]很重。
小溪里有很多[ ]。
孩子们在沙滩上收集了许多[ ]。
Score : /3
Usage in common phrases
Distinction from other similar words
Cultural significance
Exemples
5 sur 5这块石头很光滑。
This stone is very smooth.
他搬起一块大石头。
He lifted a large rock.
石头剪刀布是一种游戏。
Rock-paper-scissors is a game.
我看到一块石头掉进了水里。
I saw a stone fall into the water.
这些山是由巨大的石头组成的。
These mountains are composed of huge rocks.
