Phono-semantic — one part hints at the meaning, another at the sound
Example phrases
村口那棵槐树见证了几代人的离散与归来。Cūnkǒu nà kē huáishù jiànzhèng le jǐ dài rén de lísàn yǔ guīlái.The pagoda tree at the village entrance has witnessed several generations' departures and returns.
夏天,老人们坐在槐树下乘凉聊天。Xiàtiān, lǎorénmen zuò zài huáishù xià chéngliáng liáotiān.In summer the old people sit under the pagoda tree to cool off and chat.
槐树开花的时候,满院子都是淡淡的香味。Huáishù kāihuā de shíhou, mǎn yuànzi dōu shì dàndàn de xiāngwèi.When the pagoda tree blooms, the whole courtyard is filled with a faint fragrance.