Here's why:
* 字 (zì) literally means "character" and is used to refer to written characters in Chinese.
* 字 (zì) can also be used in the sense of a "word," especially when talking about individual written characters.
* However, 字 (zì) doesn't encompass the broader concept of a "word" as a unit of meaning, which can be made up of multiple characters.
To capture the broader concept of "word" in Chinese, you would need to use phrases like:
* 詞語 (cíyǔ) - This means "word" in the sense of a unit of meaning, often made up of multiple characters.
* 話語 (huàyǔ) - This means "speech" or "utterance" and can be used to represent the concept of "word" in a broader context.
So, while 字 (zì) is the closest single symbol to "word," it's important to understand the context and the nuances of the Chinese language to choose the most appropriate expression.