人

category: rebus

structure: up down

4stroke count

HSK 1

Both the meaning and form of 今 (jīn) “now” have changed completely from ancient times; therefore, even though 人 (rén) “person” is the radical of this character, it is only a shape that substitutes an obsolete part.

Used as a morpheme/word

今 (jīn) is not used as a word but rather as a morpheme that signifies “now” or “present.” For example, when it precedes the character 年 (nián) “year,” it means “the current year,” but it is usually translated as “this year.”

How to pronounce

This character sounds like “jean,” but pronounced with unrounded lips.