個

general classifier, individual

個 is composed of the radical 人 (person) and 固 (firm). 固 signifies firmness or certainty, implying independent existence. Humans possess wisdom superior to other creatures and are self-aware of their distinctiveness, so 個 represents the idea of individuality and is used as a classifier for counting people or objects.

Vocabulary of 個

  • 個人 (personal)
  • 個別 (specific)
  • 個性 (personality)

Related Characters: