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字样 (zì yàng) — (noun) words or text (especially quoted on labels, signs, or documents); (noun) model of written characters (for calligraphy or design)

Definition

A written label, inscription, or sample of characters that appears on a document, sign, or object. Less common than 文字 in everyday speech.

noun
words or text (especially quoted on labels, signs, or documents)model of written characters (for calligraphy or design)

Examples

  • “”字样。
    Bāo guǒ shàng xiě zhe "yì suì" zì yàng.
    The package has the words "fragile" on it.
  • 字样。
    Qǐng àn zhào zhè ge zì yàng shū xiě hàn zì.
    Please write the characters according to this model.
  • “”字样。
    Wén jiàn shàng yīng gāi zhù míng "bǎo mì" zì yàng.
    The document should indicate the words "confidential".

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

字zìcharacter
样yàngmodel/form

字样 pairs 字 (character) with 样 (model/form) for written style or quoted text.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
宀宀miánroof
Sound part声符shēngfú
子
子zǐ字zì
Same sound today

字 pairs 宀 (roof) with 子 (child); 子 gives the sound, while 宀 relates to the meaning.

Open 字 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 樣; 样 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
木木mùwood
Sound part声符shēngfú
羕
羕yàng樣yàng
Same sound today

For 样, the traditional form 樣 pairs 木 (wood) with 羕 as a sound part.

Open 样 →
Appears in
Reading & Writing

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