语 is a Chinese character with HSK 1 on the new exam.
Etymology
Oracle-bone origin
语 is a phono-semantic compound with no pictographic origin. The traditional 語 combines 言 (speech) as the semantic with 吾 (I, me) as the phonetic. 吾 itself was originally a separate first-person pronoun, chosen here for its sound rather than its meaning.
Form evolution
The character enters the record in seal script in its compound 語 form, with 言 on the left and 吾 on the right. Clerical script squared off the curves of 言 and regularised 吾's five-stroke lower 口. Modern simplification reduces 言 to 讠 while leaving 吾 unchanged, giving 语.
How the meaning evolved
语 originally meant to speak or to converse, with an emphasis on exchange rather than a single utterance. It broadened to cover language as a system, as in 语言 (language) and 语法 (grammar), and now also names specific languages (英语, 日语). The older verbal sense survives in 不言而语 and in classical texts.
Cultural note
The Analects of Confucius is 论语 Lúnyǔ, literally discussed sayings, which preserves the character's old meaning of recorded discourse between teacher and student. Learners should remember that while 说 is the most general verb for speaking, 语 in modern usage is overwhelmingly nominal.
Basic info
Example sentences
Words containing 语
On the new HSK 1 exam
Studying for HSK 1? Keep 语 with the rest of your level.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.