内

PINYIN

nèi

Main meanings:

①inside; inner

Etymology:

Elements ---- To enter 入 + space 冂. Phonetic series 内.

A person enters 入 (phonetic) a space冂; he is inside. 冂 space, not used alone, is the pictogram of a defined space.

Main Words:

内衣 nèiyī – underwear (inside + clothes)

内容 nèiróng – content (inside + contain)

Discussion and sources

The resemblance of enter 入 with person 人 makes us suggest the reader to remember this character as a person who enters an space.

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