The Shuowen Jiezi (Explaining Simple and Analyzing Compound Characters)

The Shuowen Jiezi is an ancient Chinese dictionary compiled around 100 AD by Xu Shen. It explains the meanings, origins, and structures of Chinese characters, often breaking them down into simpler parts or radicals. By analyzing how characters are formed from basic components, it helps readers understand the logic and connections behind written Chinese. Think of it as a guide that reveals the ideas and history embedded in the characters, making the complexities of Chinese writing more approachable and insightful. It remains a foundational work for studying Chinese language and characters.