点
to touch briefly; to tap; to mark with a dot; to check off (on a list); to order (food etc); to select; to mention; to bring up (a topic or person); to hint at; to imply; to administer (eye medicine etc) in drops; to light (a fire, a lamp etc); to ignite; to nod (one's head) in agreement; to beckon by moving (one's hand) up and down; point; dot; spot; speck; dot stroke in Chinese characters; (math.) decimal point; point in time or space; (after a number) o'clock; a small amount; a bit; (after a verb or adjective) a bit more
Closest English meanings
dot·point·drop·spot
The Calligrapher — Mǐ Fú 米芾
Song eccentric genius of dynamic, 'flying' running script.
Song calligrapher (1051–1107), master of running script — Song eccentric genius ('crazy Zhang, idiot Mi') whose running script alternates discipline with glee. Song dynasty
Cultural Story
点 began as a dot of ink, the smallest mark of the brush, later a lamp's spark and a drop of dew. The 世说新语 notes a 点头 of agreement, and Chan Buddhist 点 teaching transmitted truth in a single gesture. As a measure word it counted candles, dots, and moments — the tiny units from which painting, poetry, and courtesy were built.
Common words & phrases
- 重点 key point · focus · emphasis
- 优点 advantage · strength · merit
- 点心 snack · pastry · dim sum
- 点头 nod · assent · approve
- 地点 location · place · site
- 点名 call roll · name names · cite
Read the story behind the character
You 点头 to a friend, grab 点心 at the tea house, and worry about a 重点 exam. We share our 优点, meet at a 地点, and a teacher 点名 each morning. From breakfast dim sum to a boss's checklist, the humble 'dot' organizes school, work, and the small rituals of everyday Chinese life.
Own this character
Purchase delivers the original SVG of this glyph, brushed by Mǐ Fú 米芾, ready to place on skin, paper, or screen.