种 (zhǒng) — (classifier) for types, kinds, sorts
Definition
The everyday classifier for 'kinds/types' of things (这∼水果). Unlike 类 (more formal/written for abstract categories) or 样 (often 'variety/style'), 种 is the default in casual speech for everyday things.
classifier
for typeskindssorts
Examples
- 。Zhè zhǒng shuǐ guǒ hěn hǎo chī.This kind of fruit is very tasty.
- 种？Nǐ yǒu jǐ zhǒng yán sè?How many colors do you have?
- 。Wǒ xǐ huan nà zhǒng huā.I like that kind of flower.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
种 pairs 禾, which shows rice or grain and fits meanings like plant and seed, with 中, which gives its sound.
Appears in
Browse more HSK 3 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.