相 (xiāng) - mutual, each other & appearance, looks

相Tone 1

xiāng ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

相 · xiāng

mutual, each other;

appearance, looks;

to observe, to inspect;

a minister, chancellor

mutual, each otherappearance, looksto observe, to inspect

Usage highlights

mutual aidto fall in love at first sightappearance and demeanorto treat each other with sincerityto match each otherPrime Minister

Synonyms

  • 互— mutual, each other
  • 看— to look, to see
  • 貌— appearance, looks

Antonyms

  • 独— alone, solitary
  • 单— single, lone

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • They look at each other (相看).
  • The two countries have mutual relations (相互关系).
  • He has a dignified appearance (相貌堂堂).
  • The Prime Minister (丞相) held great power.

Collocations

  • mutual aid(相助)
  • to fall in love at first sight(一见钟情)
  • appearance and demeanor(相貌)
  • to treat each other with sincerity(以诚相待)
  • to match each other(相配)
  • Prime Minister(丞相)

Idioms

  • To see each other but not acknowledge(视而不见，听而不闻)
  • To treat each other with respect(相敬如宾)
  • Misfortunes never come singly(祸不单行)
  • To help each other(相辅相成)
  • A life-and-death struggle(你死我活)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese thought, '相' embodies the concept of duality and interaction, as seen in Yin-Yang philosophy.
  • Historically, '相' referred to a high-ranking official who assisted the emperor, emphasizing the importance of harmony and proper observation in governance.
  • The character is central to the Chinese concept of 'face' (面子), where one's external appearance and social interactions are deeply significant.

FAQ