Meaning and Usage
The character 季 primarily means "season" or "quarter of a year," referring to one of the four divisions of the year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. It is commonly used in words like 季节 (season) and 四季 (four seasons).
Common Collocations
- 季节 (jìjié): season; used to talk about weather or time periods.
- 四季 (sìjì): four seasons; refers to the entire year divided into four parts.
- 季度 (jìdù): quarter of a year; often used in business or financial contexts.
Additional Usage
Besides referring to seasons, 季 can also indicate birth order in a family, especially the youngest child, as in 排季 (to be the youngest sibling). This usage is less common but important in family contexts.
Nuances
When used for seasons, 季 is neutral and formal, suitable for both spoken and written Chinese. In family contexts, it carries a colloquial tone. Avoid confusing 季 with 时 (time) or 节 (festival), which have different meanings.
Summary
Understanding 季 helps learners talk about time divisions in the year and family birth order, making it a versatile and practical character in daily conversation.