珀 (pò) — used in 琥珀 (amber)

Definition

珀 is a bound form, never used alone — it only appears as the second character of 琥珀 (amber). Memorise it inside the compound, not on its own.

bound form
used in 琥珀 (amber)
Easily confused

Examples

  • 。
    Zhè kuài hǔ pò hěn piào liang.
    This piece of amber is very beautiful.
  • 。
    Hǔ pò shì yì zhǒng gǔ lǎo de bǎo shí.
    Amber is an ancient gemstone.
  • 。
    Wǒ xǐ huan hǔ pò de yán sè.
    I like the color of amber.

Origin

Sound + meaning
六书liùshū
形声xíngshēng

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
玉玉yùjade
Sound part声符shēngfú
白
白bái珀
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

珀 combines 玉 (jade) and 白; the 白 side gives the sound.

Appears in
Materials & Substances

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