Chinese characters- components of Chinese literacy, Chinese characters- the topic of this article. Chinese characters- the oldest existing writing system. Chinese character consists of standard features (from one to 28), repeated in various combinations. Chinese character corresponds to a toned syllable (there are three tones in Chinese) and denotes a separate word or morpheme. Complex Chinese characters are a combination of simple characters, of which there are about 300. In fact, Chinese characters, or hieroglyphic writing, unlike the alphabetic one, have almost nothing to do with the language itself. The list of Chinese characters, like any dictionary, unlike the alphabet, is open, and its volume is growing over time. Chinese characters are one of the most profound and mysterious forms of writing on the planet. Each Chinese character is a picture, each sign has its own history and meaning. Its signs should be understood associatively, figuratively. And if the study of spoken Chinese begins with phonetics, then mastery of written literacy begins with the Chinese character. Each Chinese character consists of a certain number of graphic elements (more than 200 in total). As a rule, these elements themselves do not carry any semantic load. Combinations of graphic elements written in a certain sequence are called graphemes. A grapheme can be used as an independent simple Chinese character, or be part of a complex one. The number of Chinese characters, like the characters themselves, has constantly changed throughout history. The largest number of them was collected in the collection “Ji Yun”, compiled during the Sun Dynasty. This collection contains 53,525 Chinese characters. Today it is impossible to determine exactly how many Chinese characters there are in Chinese writing. The average Chinese person uses several thousand Chinese characters in their speech. A person who understands the meanings of 1.5-3.5 thousand hieroglyphs is considered literate. In an attempt to calculate the exact number of Chinese characters, linguists have differed in their opinions. Some call the figure 40 thousand, others - 70 thousand. Most Chinese characters are contained only in the texts of classical folk literature. Let's look at the structure of Chinese characters. In some dictionaries, Chinese characters are arranged depending on the number of strokes and the graphic alphabet. In this system, the entire mass of Chinese characters is divided into 5 departments of direction and 24 bases. The basis is considered to be the line in the lower right corner of the Chinese character. If this line is not present, then the bottom line is taken as a basis: . In a Chinese dictionary, the list of Chinese characters opens with the first direction section and the first stem. Complex Chinese characters follow each other in the following order: the grapheme on the left is added first; then in the top left corner; and finally from above. Below are some simple Chinese characters, arranged in graphic alphabetical order:

Chinese hieroglyph is one of the most interesting, mysterious and amazing forms of writing in the world. Each hieroglyph is a unique design that has its own individual origin, meaning and history.

The history of the Chinese character

Scientists still disagree on when the first Chinese character appeared. There is information that perhaps the first Chinese writing arose during the Yin dynasty, and this was in 1401-1122 BC. Although there are also references to the hieroglyph in literature that is more than four thousand years old.

Chinese characters

Chinese writing is very ancient and unique thanks to its hieroglyphs; the Chinese even like to say that the hieroglyphs reflect the unity of heaven and man. The Chinese picked out the very first hieroglyphs on the shells of turtles or the bones of killed animals. Subsequently, hieroglyphs could be found on bronze and steel utensils or weapons, as well as in ancient books.

As civilization developed, writing itself also developed. The hieroglyph became the beginning of such an art form as calligraphy, where every person can feel like a creator and artist who draws a hieroglyph to his own taste and in his own unique style. At the same time, the hieroglyph is written according to clear, strict rules, which must not be violated under any circumstances.

I'll give an example to make it more clear. Parts of the hieroglyph must be written only from left to right and from top to bottom, the hieroglyph must be placed in a square of a certain size, first all the horizontal features are written, and only then the vertical and many other nuances that must be known and taken into account when writing each hieroglyph.

Chinese calligraphy is actually more than just a form of writing, it is an art that not only helps people write down important information, but also evokes emotional uplift, feelings and inspiration.

In the distant past, a hieroglyph written using calligraphy was valued as a work of art. Rich Chinese collected such masterpieces in collections, which made them famous and recognized as people with good taste. Hieroglyphs, decorated using calligraphy, were placed in frames and placed in offices, halls, and were also used on signs of various establishments and shops.

By practicing an art such as Chinese calligraphy, you can cultivate valuable qualities such as perseverance, patience and perseverance.

Meaning and meaning of Chinese characters

Each Chinese character has its own specific meaning and represents a morpheme or syllable. Scientists were able

Hieroglyph "strength"

Just to roughly calculate the number of existing hieroglyphs, their number was about eighty thousand. However, in the modern world, much fewer hieroglyphs are used. For example, in order to read a Chinese newspaper or other printed publication, it is enough to know only three thousand characters.

Each Chinese character can represent either an individual syllable or a full-fledged whole word. Many of the words are made from one or two syllables. This point is important to consider when working with a dictionary.

The easiest way to find out what a particular hieroglyph means, find out its meaning and even pronunciation is to use electronic translators. By the way, there are also dictionaries in which you can draw the desired hieroglyph in a special window. The program will determine what kind of hieroglyph it is and display its meaning. The main thing is to adhere to the rules for writing hieroglyphs (draw from left to right and from top to bottom). You also cannot take your hand away from writing out the element until the hieroglyph is completed.

Of course, the meaning of hieroglyphs can be found in ordinary paper dictionaries, but you need to know how to do it correctly. This is not exactly a simple matter. Each publication has its own search features. For example, there is a so-called search by key, when the search for the desired hieroglyph is carried out using the main element. Typically, this element is the top element on the left. It is necessary to count the number of dashes in a given key and find the corresponding one in the list, which is located at the end of the dictionary. On the page indicated in this list, you can find the hieroglyph you need.

Components of Chinese characters

Chinese characters and their writing have virtually nothing to do with the language itself. They need to be understood on some intuitive level. The study of hieroglyphs begins with the study of the simplest components.

Each hieroglyph is made up of a certain number of graphic symbols (there are about 200 types). Typically, each of these symbols does not carry any meaning. There is also such a thing as a grapheme - a combination of hieroglyphs that are written according to a certain sequence. Such graphemes can be used as a separate hieroglyph that carries a semantic load, or they can be a component of another complex hieroglyph.

I won’t delve too deeply into the process of hieroglyph formation. I just want to list some basic graphic symbols from which hieroglyphs are made:

- vertical line;

- horizontal line;

- rising bar;

- broken line;

- hook.

It is from these and many other simple symbols that complex and beautiful hieroglyphs are formed.

Many Chinese sages compared hieroglyphs with life, because some of them grow old or are forgotten, others appear that replace the “dead,” and so it has been and will continue.

You can, of course, study Chinese and master the rules of writing hieroglyphs at home, but no one can teach you this better than Chinese teachers. Therefore, we invite you to study in China! Ask your questions in the form that will appear after clicking this button.

I

八卦 图 Ba Gua
Eight trigrams

This is an ancient Confucian symbol of time and space “everything flows, everything changes”, consisting of 8 trigrams, which in turn consist of 3 continuous (yang) or interrupted (yin) lines “yao”.Eight natural phenomena for predicting natural and social changes. Yin and Yang are the two forces to create interaction between the source of all things.The trigram is counted from bottom to top.

The doctrine of trigrams is widely used to describe the techniques and methods of qigong and in ancient works on alchemy. In qigong practice, they are used to individually determine the time, direction and place of training, to control the processes of “regulating the heart”, “regulating breathing” and “regulating the body”.

The first line symbolizes the surface of the Earth, that is, it represents information about the processes of birth, growth, change, aging and transition to a hidden state, obtained as a result of observations of the Earth. The second feature symbolizes a person who has mastered the laws of “heaven and earth”, which help him live and work. The third line symbolizes the sky, including the movement of celestial bodies and weather changes. In addition, 3 traits represent the body, soul and spirit of a person; irrational emotions, rational mind and super-rational intelligence.

(The lines are given, contrary to the rules, from top to bottom):

1. 乾 、 Qian- 3 solid lines. Jewel (jade or pearl (dragon with pearl)). Symbol of the sky. In addition, Qian can represent the head, something round, the emperor, the father, jasper, gold, cold, ice, northwest.
2. 坤 、 Kun- 3 broken lines. Symbol land. Kun can represent the belly, mother, cloth, cauldron, greed, jealousy, calf, southwest.
3. 震 、 Zhen- 2 broken and one continuous lines.Symbol of thunder, evil dragon, east. In the body it represents the feet.
4. 巽 、 Xun- 2 continuous, 1 intermittent. Wind. Air symbol. Xun can represent the tree, the southeast, the eldest daughter, the hips.
5. 坎 、 Kan- intermittent, continuous, intermittent. Water symbol,crossings, death, north. The body contains ears and kidneys.
6. 离 、 Lee- continuous, interrupted, continuous. Fire. Also represents the sun, lightning, south, middle daughter, eyes and heart.
7. 艮 、 Gen- 1 continuous, 2 intermittent. Mountain, stone, cave, path.
8. 兑 , Blow- 1 broken, 2 solid lines. Metal (in some sources - a body of water), west.Represents the youngest daughter, witchcraft, words.In the body it represents the mouth.

" 万 " 字 - Wanzi (in Japanese: Man ji)

"10,000 forces"

In Chinese Buddhism, the swastika is represented as a talisman symbol, meaning the chest (heart) of the Buddha, the wheel of samsara, a sign of rebirth.Her image was placed on the heart of initiates after their death.Also means 4 limits of space and earth (cardinal directions), endless renewal of life, eternity. The right-sided swastika symbolizes the female dark force - “yin”, the left-sided one - the male light force - “yang”.

福 - Ugh

Happiness, luck

禄 - Lou

Wealth, success in career

寿 - Show

Life, longevity

These 3 symbols make up Japanese blessings. God - Chinese sage Fukurokuju福禄 寿 , which in China is called Fu-Lu-Shou (or also called Show Hsing).

五福 Wufu

"5 Great Blessings" - health, prosperity, long life, true love, natural death. There are 5 bats around the sign, symbolizing the actual 5 blessings.

百寿 - Shi (or Hee) -Show

100 forms or stages (years) of life.

It is difficult to explain this symbol, but it is a talisman of longevity. It consists of 100 ancient stylized hieroglyphs, the nature of which is extremely difficult for me to understand.

VI

神 盘

Disc of God

A protective sign applied to stored items or clothing against theft, damage, etc.

VII

五岳
Symbol of the 5 Sacred Mountains of China

These are also the five elements, seasons, five colors of the part of the world:

1. Mount Taishan , element - Tree, color - green, spring, east.

2. Mount Huashan 华山 , element - Metal, color - white, autumn, west.

3. Mount Hengshan 衡山 - element - Fire, color - red, summer, south.

4. Mount Hengshan 恒山 , element - Water, color - black, winter, north.

5. Mount Songshan 嵩山 , element - Earth, color - yellow, center.

VIII

双喜 Shuang Xi

Joy and happiness.

Also known as a symbol of “double happiness” for newlyweds. The success of one becomes the success of both.

蟠桃果熟三千 岁

"Three thousand years of peach fruit ripening"

Symbol of eternal youth.

福寿双全

Another symbol of long life or 2 great blessings (determined by the number of mice).2 bats are drawn on top (health and long life).

万寿五福 - Wanshou-Wufu

“10,000 years of life and 5 blessings” - bats and peaches, again.

麒麟送子 Qilin-Sunxi

Symbol of a married couple, wishes for offspring. In a broader spectrum, Qilin is a wonderful beast -body with hooves of a horse or deer, a dragon's head and a bear's tail- this is a “yin-yang” synthesis, a symbol of perfection in connecting and generating something new.

XIII

犬福 Dog Fu (Fo)

"Dog of Luck" - it is a symbol of valor and energy, a talisman for the home. It is common to see a couple of statues in front of the entrance to a classic Chinese home. They protect from troubles, bring good luck, protect against evil from invading the house. On the right is a male “yang” statue, on the left is a female “yin” statue.

Sometimes they are replaced by a pair of lions -狮 子 "Shi Tzu"

Moreover, the first 1,000 hieroglyphs make up up to 80% of the texts. This is great news, but it raises the next question. Which hieroglyphs are included in the list of these 3-5 thousand?

Which characters should we focus on learning?

Of course, if you follow traditional logic, take any. Ultimately, you will reach a certain level when you can easily read first simple, then more complex, and then deeply professional texts. Everything is quite clear.

On the other hand, it is important to understand which hieroglyphs are used frequently, and which ones appear only a couple of times in several hundred thousand texts.

In the late 90s - early 2000s. V Middle Tennessee State University carried out . This joint Chinese-American project studied Chinese characters using statistical methods. Linguists and programmers collected the vast array of Chinese modern and classical texts then available in digital form and ran them through computer programs.

Interesting facts in the research results:

♦ In total, texts with a total of 258.8 million characters were analyzed (of which classical texts - 65.3 million characters, and modern texts - 193.5 million characters).

♦ As a result, the researchers received 2 lists: a list of 11,115 unique hieroglyphs in classical texts, and a list of 9,933 unique hieroglyphs in modern texts.

♦ The most common modern hieroglyph 的 (de) appears in texts 7.9 million times, and accounts for 4.09% of the total number of hieroglyphs (out of 193.5 million).

♦ The most common classical character 之 (zhi) appears in texts 850 thousand times and accounts for 1.3% of the total number of characters (out of 65.3 million).

♦ In modern texts, 1100 hieroglyphs appear only once (per 193.5 million characters).

♦ In classical texts, 956 hieroglyphs appear once (per 65.3 million characters).

What hieroglyphs have become the most common? Read on.

Top 10 most common characters in modern Chinese

1. 的de

The possessive particle 的 takes pride of place. This service hieroglyph is the most frequently occurring hieroglyph in modern texts, it is used 7.9 million times and accounts for 4.09% of the total number of hieroglyphs ( hereinafter, the results of the above study on the analysis of modern texts of 193.5 million characters are used)

The particle 的 denotes ownership and is also used to describe the property or quality of an object.

For example:

孩子的玩具 (Háizi de wánjù) Child's toy

这是你的电脑，那是我的手机。(zhèshì nǐde diànnǎo, nàshì wǒde shǒujī).This is your computer, and this is my mobile.

黄色的花 (Huángsè de huā) Yellow flower

这是我爸爸买给我的摩托车。(Zhè shì wǒ bàba mǎi gěi wǒ de mótuō chē.)This is the motorcycle my dad bought me.

2. 一 yī

The character “一” means “one”. It occurs 3.05 million times and accounts for 1.57% of the total number of modern hieroglyphs.

The reason why “一” is so common is that it is part of a huge number of words, phrases and Chinese idioms.

For example:

我吃了一个苹果。(wǒ chīle yīgè píngguǒ).I ate one apple.

我拿了第一名。 (wǒ nále dìyī míng).I took first place.

你是我的唯一。(nǐ shì wǒde wéiyī).You are my only one.

百闻不如一见 (Bǎiwén bù rú yíjiàn).Better to see once than hear a hundred times.

3. 是 shì

The character “是” closes the top three most common modern characters, occurring 2.6 million times and accounting for 1.35% of the total.

“是” has the meaning “is, to be, to appear” and is usually omitted in Russian translation (which makes “是” very similar to the English verb “to be”). Used as a linking predicate between nouns and/or pronouns.

For example:

我是中国人。(wǒ shì zhōng guó rén).I [am] a Chinese.

这是一本书。(zhè shì yī běn shū).This [is] a book.

她的鞋是红色的。(tā de xié shì hóng sè de).Her shoes [are] red.

4. 不Bù

The character “不” means “not”, “no” and is used as a negative particle. “不” appears in modern texts 2.2 million times and accounts for 1.15% of the total number of hieroglyphs.

For example:

他不是澳大利亚人。(tā bú shì ào dà lì yà rén).He's not Australian.

我不想去。(wǒ bù xiǎng qù). I do not want to go.

5. 了 le

The auxiliary particle “了” occupies an honorable fifth place among the most common modern hieroglyphs, occurring 2.12 million times and accounting for 1.09% of the total.

The particle “了” can have several functions; as a rule, it denotes the past tense, shows that the situation has changed, can enhance the meaning of an adjective, etc.

For example:

我吃晚饭了。(wǒ chī wǎn fàn le). I had dinner.

我住校已经两年了。(Wǒ zhù xiào yǐjīng liǎng niánle).I've been living on campus for two years now.

我的手表太旧了。(Wǒ de shǒubiǎo tài jiùle).My watch is very old.

6. 在 zà i

The character “在” appears in modern texts just over 2 million times, accounting for 1.03% of the total number of characters.

“在” can have several meanings. It can be translated as a preposition of location “in”, “on”, etc. If “在” comes after a verb, it indicates the place where the action takes place. It is also used as an auxiliary particle to denote a long time.

For example:

我在机场等你。(wǒ zài jīchǎng děng nǐ).I'm waiting for you at the airport.

你住在哪里？(nǐ zhù zài nǎ lǐ). Where do you live?

我在学习。(wǒ zài xué xí). I am studying right now.

7. 人ré n

Another common character “人” occurs 1.8 million times and means “person”, “people”, “citizen”. It is often used to refer to a person from a specific country. For example, if we add 人 “Man” to the word 中国 “China”, we get 中国人 “Chinese”.

This character is also found in the words “夫人” (Fūrén) - lady, “男人” (Nánrén) - man, and many other words denoting people.

The character “人” is also part of the word “人民” - people, which is used quite often in modern Chinese.

For example:

人民币 (rén mín bì) People's currency

你是外国人吗？(nǐ shì wài guó rén ma). You are a foreigner?

8. 有 yǒ u

The character “有” occurs 1.7 million times and means the word “to have”, “to possess”. The negative form is formed using the particle “没有” - not to have.

Also, “有” often means that “there is something somewhere.”

For example:

你有问题吗？(nǐ yǒu wèn tí ma).Do you have a question?

我没有钱。(wǒ méi yǒu qián).I have no money.

这里有个错误。(zhè lǐ yǒu gè cuò wù).There is a mistake here.

9. 我 (wǒ)

The pronoun “我” occurs 1.69 million times and means “I”. Unsurprisingly, this is a fairly common word. It is also an integral part of the pronouns “we”, “us”, “our”.

Examples:

我回家了。(wǒ huí jiā le).I am back.

我们一起去吧。(wǒ men yī qǐ qù ba).Let's go together.

10. (tā)

Closing our top ten is , which occurs 1.59 million times in modern texts. This hieroglyph is also an integral part of the pronouns “they”, “their”, etc.

For example:

他们是新婚。(Tāmen shì xīnhūn).They just got married.

他们也问他好。(Tāmen yě wèn tā hǎo).They also say hello to him.

Happy practice!

Svetlana Khludneva

P.S. If you want to follow what is happening more closely and receive more inspiring materials, then add us to our groups on social networks

“Hieroglyphs?!? Oh no! How can you even remember them? Chinese is not for me!” Olga.

We constantly receive feedback like this from our readers.

Here's another example: “All my life I wanted to learn Chinese, but I remember the hieroglyphs very poorly […] I gave up everything...” Alexey L.

It's incredibly sad when people give up on their dreams simply because they encounter difficulties that seem insurmountable to them.

Do you have such thoughts? If yes, then be sure to read on!

Is it possible to easily learn and memorize hieroglyphs?

Yes, I don’t argue, hieroglyphs are one of the biggest stumbling blocks in mastering Chinese. But think about it: More than a billion Chinese were able to master them. They use them every day! And believe me, not all of them are brilliant. If they could do it, you definitely can!

I have 2 news for you: one is good, the other too.

1. If you use the right approach, Chinese writing will no longer seem so inaccessible. Main understand the basic principles: how hieroglyphs are constructed, where they get their meaning and how they are pronounced. Once you figure this out, half the battle is done.

2. The more hieroglyphs you know, the easier it will be to remember new ones.

Where to begin?

Ideally, learn the principles of hieroglyphics and at the same time gain vocabulary.

And today we will study the first principle on the basis of which many basic hieroglyphs were formed: the “Picture Principle”. According to him, the hieroglyph is as similar as possible to the object it depicts.

And to illustrate this principle, today we will study with you 10 simplest Chinese characters.

They are easy to remember and learn to write, and most importantly, they will often appear in various Chinese texts and will help you master even more characters in the future.

1. 一 yī

What does it mean: This is without a doubt the simplest character in the Chinese language. It is not difficult to guess that it means the number “one”.

How to remember: The logic in this hieroglyph is obvious: the Chinese put one stick on the ground, which means one.

Let’s add two more obvious hieroglyphs here:

Two sticks are two 二 èr;

Three sticks are three 三 sān.

Example: Of course, hieroglyphs themselves are useless to us if we do not know how to use them. So let's immediately make up a couple of words and expressions and start talking a little.

十一 shí yī eleven (ten + one);

十三 shí sān thirteen;

二十 èr shí twenty (two tens);

我要一个。wǒ yào yī gè I want one piece (use while shopping).

2. ren

What does it mean: This hieroglyph means Human.

How to remember: Imagine that a head is drawn above the hieroglyph, and add 2 feet to the legs, and voila, you have a person.

How do you spell: First write a line to the left, and then from its center to the right. Remember that we write all hieroglyphs from top to bottom.

Example:

Just one person.

What about? tā shì shénme rén – who is he?

3. 入 rù

What does it mean: Very similar to human 人, but in no case should they be confused. 入 rù means enter.

How to remember: This hieroglyph originally had the meaning “outside - in” and depicted the tip of a knife or arrow blade that pierced or ENTERED into some object.

How do you spell: First, write a small line to the left, and then, starting a little higher, write a line to the right. We write from top to bottom.

Example:

入口 rùkǒu entrance;

It is important to go to university.

4. 日rì

What does it mean: This is the Sun. And when we see the sun, what time of day is it? That's right, day. So this is Sun or day.

How to remember: There were times when this hieroglyph was written as a circle, with a dot in the center. With the development of writing, it acquired a modern appearance and ceased to be so obvious. And yet, we look at the square with a line and see the solar disk with a halo around it.

How do you spell: First we write the left vertical line from top to bottom. Then the top and right line from left to right and down without lifting your hand. Last we write horizontal lines in the center and below. Both strokes are written from left to right.

Example:

一月一日 yī yuè yī rì the first of January (the first day of the month).

By the way, what will it be like on the third of March?

5. 山 shān

What does it mean: in its shape this hieroglyph is also similar to what it means: mountain.

How to remember: On the horizon we see three mountain peaks.

How do you spell: First write a short left stroke from top to bottom and continue it down to the right. Then write the highest line in the middle and the right line a little lower. All vertical strokes are written from top to bottom.

Example:

山口 shānkǒu pass, entrance to the gorge;

上山 shàng shān to climb the mountains.

6. 口 kǒu

What does it mean: This hieroglyph has different meanings, the most common are mouth And entrance.

How to remember: A very simple hieroglyph - like many basic hieroglyphs, it was a direct image of an object, so it is easy to remember. We look at the square and see an open mouth.

How do you spell: Same as 日 rì, but without the middle line. By the way, a little check, what is 日？

Example:

大口 dà kǒu big mouth, large-mouthed;

出口 chū kǒu exit. By the way, remember what “entrance” is? – 入口;

人口 rén kǒu population.

7. 中 zhōng

What does it mean: This is a hieroglyph center, inside, middle.

How to remember: Its value is indicated by a line that is located exactly in the center.

How do you spell: Same as 口 kǒu, only more rectangular in shape. Why add a middle line from top to bottom.

Example:

中午 zhōngwǔ noon (middle of the day);

中国人 zhōng guó rén Chinese (a person from the middle state, i.e. from China);

中医 Chinese medicine.

8. 火 hǔo

What does it mean: You might think that this is a man waving his arms? But no, it's fire.

How to remember: Do you remember what a fire looks like made from small logs and with flames flying upward? Now look at this hieroglyph - one to one!

How do you spell: First the left, then the right “tongues of flame”, and then like 人 rén.

Example:

大火 dà hǔo fire;

火山 hǔo shān volcano;

火车 hǔo chē train (fire carriage).

9. 女nǚ

What does it mean: This woman.

How to remember: Initially, a woman was depicted kneeling. Now we can see in this hieroglyph a head, arms, two legs and a graceful “back” part.

How do you spell: This hieroglyph has 3 lines: the first line from the head smoothly transitions to the leg to the right, then we write the second leg to the left. And finally, hands - from left to right.

Example:

女人 nǚ rén woman;

女厕所 nǚ cèsuŏ women's toilet.

10. 门 men

What does it mean: This door.

How to remember: This character, especially in the traditional spelling 門, is very similar to the doorway in old Chinese houses. If you don’t know what doors looked like in China, then remember the doors to saloons in cowboy films.

And this hieroglyph often becomes a phonetic, i.e. helps us learn the reading of a hieroglyph without looking in a dictionary (but we’ll talk about this in more detail another time).

How do you spell: first a small line-dot in the upper left corner, then a vertical line down from it, and finally a third line - horizontally and down, without lifting your hand.

Example:

门口 mén kǒu entrance, exit, gate;

开门 kāi men open the door;

入门 rù mén to enter the door (and can also be used in a figurative meaning: to make a beginning, to make an initiative).

Happy practice!

Svetlana Khludneva

P.S. If you want to follow what is happening more closely and receive more inspiring materials, then add us to our groups on social networks