文山壮族苗族自治州

• 文(pattern on chest; breast decoration)ASSOCIATIVE

The character depicts body tattoos or patterns on the chest, symbolizing writing and culture.

• 山(mountain)ASSOCIATIVE

Three mountain peaks jutting upward resemble a majestic mountain range before your eyes.

• 丬(wooden plank; variant of 爿)PHONETIC
• 士(learned person; soldier)RADICAL

A strong soldier with the solid build of sturdy wood stands robust and imposing.

• 方(flag; banner (tribal standard))RADICAL
• 矢(arrow tip; arrowhead)ASSOCIATIVE

A tribe gathers under a flag, with hands gripping arrows ready for battle.

• 艹(grass; plant)RADICAL
• 田(field; paddy field)ASSOCIATIVE

A young seedling sprouts up from the fresh green rice field.

• 自(nose (pictographic) → self; body)ASSOCIATIVE

Ancient people pointed to their nose when saying "I," so the character for nose also means self.

• 氵(water; liquid)RADICAL
• 台(platform; foundation)PHONO-SEMANTIC

A solid foundation is used to control the flow of water.