最新型 (zuì xīn xíng) — the newest model, latest version

Definition

Adjective meaning 'newest model / latest version', used for products like phones, cars, and computers. Pairs with 最 to mark the top of a product line — a 新型 is simply 'new-type'; 最新型 is the freshest release.

adjective
the newest modellatest version

Examples

  • 最新型。
    Zhè jiā gōng sī tuī chū le zuì xīn xíng shǒu jī.
    This company launched the newest model phone.
  • 最新型。
    zuì xīn xíng Qì chē zài zhǎn lǎn huì shàng hěn shòu huān yíng.
    The latest model car was very popular at the exhibition.
  • 最新型，。
    Wǒ mǎi le yì tái zuì xīn xíng diàn nǎo, sù dù hěn kuài.
    I bought a latest-model computer, and it's very fast.

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.

最新newest
最zuìmost新xīnnew
偏正Modifier + head
型xíngmodel

“最” adds most, “新” gives new, and “型” gives model or type, making the newest model.

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
取
取qǔ最zuì
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The shape pairs 取, which gives the sound, with a roof-like top from 宀; marks above were later added to separate the “most” meaning.

Open 最 →

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

假借jiǎjièLater borrowed for its sound alone — the picture has nothing to do with today’s meaning.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
斤斤jīn
Sound part声符shēngfú
辛
辛xīn新xīn
Same sound today

The shape originally paired 斤, for chopping wood, with 辛 for sound. It was borrowed for its sound to write 新, so the chopping-wood parts are unrelated to 'new'.

Open 新 →

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
土土tǔearth
Sound part声符shēngfú
刑
刑xíng型xíng
Same sound today

型 pairs 土 (earth) with 刑, which supplies the sound; the shape shows an earthen mold, hence form or pattern.

Open 型 →

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