参（cān/shēn）

Origin:

“参”最初是星宿的名称。字形是在人的头上有几颗星，后来又加上三道斜线，表示星光。现在“参”字多表示“参加”、“加入”的意思。
The original meaning of “参” was the name of the constellation. The character looked like a person’s head with several stars surrounding it. Later, three slashes were added to represent starlight. Today, it means “to attend” or “to join.”

Meaning:
to join; to enter; ginseng

Words:

参观(cānguān): to visit
参加(cānjiā): to attend; to join
参军(cānjūn): to join the army
参赛(cānsài): to take part in a match
人参(rénshēn): ginseng

Sentences:

1、Tā shíqī suì jiù cānjūn le.
他十七岁就参军了。
He joined the army when he was only 17.

2、Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàzhōu qù cānguān Gùgōng.
我们打算下周去参观故宫。
We plan to visit the Forbidden City next week.

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