ZHIZHI 知止 · LEARN CHINESE DAILY
展
to unfold; exhibition
zhǎn
10 strokes · 尸 (reclining body) + layered garments beneath · HSK 3
What 展 is made of
尸 + 龷 + 𠄌 + 乀 + 丿 = 展
尸reclining body
龷layered top
𠄌vertical rising hook
乀falling-right stroke
丿falling-left stroke
Where 展 comes from
A body stretching out under layered clothes — rolling over, extending. What stretches out gets displayed: unfold, spread, exhibit.
展 in Chinese culture
发展 develop (unfold outward) — the keyword of modern China, printed in every headline. 展览 exhibition, 展开 spread open. A nation obsessed with 发展 chose the character of stretching.
Example
发展 fāzhǎn — to develop
这个城市发展得很快。
Zhège chéngshì fāzhǎn de hěn kuài.
This city is developing fast.
How to remember it
A body STRETCHES out — UNFOLD, EXPAND, put on DISPLAY.
车展 auto show, 画展 art exhibition, 世博会 the World Expo — any 展 means something big is being unfolded for you to see.
Same sound, different tones
Words unlocked by 展
发展 fāzhǎn
to develop
展览 zhǎnlǎn
exhibition
Related characters
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