July 21, 2026 · 星期二
Approaching Major Heat
大暑· to release
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyMajor Heat is a time when traditional wisdom advises staying cool and relaxed.
Approaching Major Heat
大暑dà shǔ
In just two days, we welcome the solar term known as Major Heat (大暑), one of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. This period is characterized by soaring temperatures, often marking the peak of summer heat in many parts of China. It is a time when people pay special attention to health and hydration, adopting various methods to stay cool, including consuming herbal teas and lighter meals to balance the body's internal heat.[1]
The arrival of Major Heat is also a cultural moment, highlighting the traditional wisdom of adapting to seasonal changes. In ancient times, people would release (放) their livestock to graze freely, taking advantage of the abundant growth of grass during this period. This act of releasing was crucial for maintaining the health of the animals, ensuring they had enough nourishment during the hottest days.[2]
Today, the word 放 (fàng), meaning "to release," can still be associated with the idea of letting go or relaxing, both physically and mentally. As the temperatures rise, people are encouraged to release (放) their stresses and worries, embracing a slower pace of life to cope with the heat. Traditional Chinese practices such as Tai Chi or meditation are often recommended during this period to promote relaxation and mental clarity.
Understanding the cultural context of solar terms like Major Heat allows learners to appreciate the deep connection between language, nature, and daily life in Chinese culture. By integrating words like 放 into the seasonal narrative, learners not only expand their vocabulary but also deepen their cultural insights.[3]
Major Heat is a time when traditional wisdom advises staying cool and relaxed.
放暑假了！
Fàng shǔjià le!
Summer vacation has started!
- [1] Zhou Dunyi, 'The Twenty-Four Solar Terms', a classic Chinese text outlining the significance of each solar term.
- [2] Li Shizhen, 'Compendium of Materia Medica (《本草纲目》)', a comprehensive medical text mentioning seasonal practices.
- [3] Confucius, 'Analects', a collection of ideas and sayings that emphasize harmony with nature.
Jason & Amy on 放
Podcast: Daily Chinese: 放 — Approaching Major Heat
Jason & Amy on 放 and Approaching Major Heat
New here?
他放了风筝。
Tā fàng le fēngzheng.
He released the kite.
A simple sentence showing the basic use of 放.
放牛在草地上。
Fàng niú zài cǎodì shàng.
Release the cattle on the grass.
Shows 放 with animals, linking to traditional practices.
放下你的担心。
Fàngxià nǐ de dānxīn.
Let go of your worries.
An abstract use of 放 to suggest emotional release.
他决定放手一搏。
Tā juédìng fàngshǒu yī bó.
He decided to give it his all.
A nuanced use of 放 in an idiomatic expression.
Using 放 with nouns
放 + noun
The verb 放 is used to indicate releasing or letting go of something.
Use 放 with nouns to express the action of releasing or freeing them.
放猫出去。
Fàng māo chūqù.
Let the cat out.
放手吧。
Fàngshǒu ba.
Let go.
放学了。
Fàngxué le.
School is over.
What does 放 mean?
How is 放 pronounced?
How do you write "to release" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
他___风筝。(He ___ the kite.)
放假了！ — What does this sentence mean?
What is a traditional activity during Major Heat?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Frequently asked questions about the word 放
Yes, 放 can be used in both contexts, but be mindful of the specific phrases and verbs that might be more appropriate in formal situations.
Yes, 释放 specifically means 'to release' in a more formal or technical context, while 放 is more general and can refer to physical placement or letting go.
You can use 放 in sentences like '我放书在桌子上' (Wǒ fàng shū zài zhuōzi shàng), meaning 'I put the book on the table.'
Today's Mandarin word: 放 (fàng) — to release.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉