空
kōng
空 means empty, sky, void, hollow, and vacant, symbolizing emptiness in ancient Chinese pictographs. In Cantonese, it’s used in 空氣 (hūng hei, air). In Buddhism, 空 refers to 空性 (hūng sing), which suggests a phenomena that lack inherent existence. Thus, 空 conveys various meanings, from the sky to abstract concepts like emptiness.
明
míng
明 means bright, clear, light, and understanding, in words like 明白 (míngbai, to understand), 明亮 (mìhng leuhng, brightness), and 明天 (mìhng tīn, tomorrow). Its ancient pictograph symbolizes the brightness by combining the sun and the moon. In Chinese, 明 is essential in forming meaningful phrases and expressions.
朝
cháo
朝 means morning and dynasty, pronounced as jīu in Cantonese. In phrases like 朝暘 (jīu yìhng, daybreak), 朝夕 (jīu jihk, day and night) and 唐朝 (tòng jīu, Tang Dynasty). Its origin traces back to a pictograph representing the sun emerging above the horizon. In Chinese culture, 朝 is associated with the passage of time and history.
體
tī
體, the traditional form of 体, means body, form, style, and system, pronounced as tái in Cantonese. Used in words like 體育 (tái yuhk, physical education) and 體操 (tái chōu, gymnastics), it emphasizes physical or structural aspects. 體 is significant in traditional and modern contexts, shaping the understanding of physicality and structure.