新 (Xīn)

Etymology

Phonosemantic component. 辛 represents the sound, and 斤 (axe) and 木 (tree) represent the original meaning "firewood", now written as 薪. The meaning later shifted to "fresh" and "new".

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》：“新，取木也。从斤，新聲。”

Original meaning

firewood

Components

• 辛 (sound)
• 木 (iconic) — Depicts a tree being cut for firewood.
• 斤 (iconic) — Depicts an axe cutting a tree for firewood.

Example sentences

1. 这是新的。 — This is new.
2. 我是个新生。 — I am a new student.
3. 这不是新的。 — This isn't new.
4. 这本书是新的。 — This book is new.
5. 这本书是新的。 — This book is new.

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