柳 liǔ willow tree
How to remember 柳: 木 tree + 卯 barred = willow tree. The park is barred at night, so the teenagers climb the old tree beside the gate, a big willow tree, and talk until late.
Component breakdown
柳 = 木 tree + 卯 barred
- 木 tree
- 卯 barred
The park is barred at night, so the teenagers climb the old tree beside the gate, a big willow tree, and talk until late.
How it is used
- The willow, specifically the drooping weeping willow - 柳树 (liǔshù) willow, 垂柳 (chuíliǔ) weeping willow.
- Loaded with poetic imagery of spring and parting. 柳暗花明 (liǔ'àn-huāmíng) means an unexpected bright turn after difficulty. Distinct from 杨 (yáng, poplar).