Learn Chinese Characters 123 东

东(dōng)



It looks like a big bag with its both ends tied, which was used to hold stuffs.

Many learners could not helping on asking “what the hell does the phrases “东西” (east and west) mean ? ”  The evolution of the character “东” can tell us something. It looks like a big bag which may be used to hold stuffs. Therefore anything, any stuff can be called “东西” in Chinese. I guess the  “东” is really important for the phrase “东西”. While the second character “西” （pronounce a neutral tone after the character “西” ）does not have any real meaning. It may be used to keep a structural balance, as one syllable does not seem stable in pronunciation.

Gradually another meaning about direction “east” was added which have become the dominant meaning in modern Chinese. Few Chinese learn the original meaning of the character “东”.

Useful Phrases:

东北(dōng běi) North East  

东南(dōng nán) South East 

东西(dōng xī) east and west

东西(dōng xi) stuffs or things

东风(dōng fēng)
east wind, propitious or favorable circmtstances

东道主(dōng dào zhǔ) host country