Definitions
(numeral)
seven; 7
Etymology
Depicts two lines crossing. Based on the original meaning "cut", now written as 切. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.
About
The character 七, denoting the number seven, derives from an early form symbolizing a cut or division, which was later appropriated for the numeral through a process of phonetic borrowing in Old Chinese. In its contemporary structure, which is consistent across writing systems, it is formed by two strokes: a horizontal line crossed by a vertical stroke that curves minimally at its lower end, and it is classified under the radical 一. Its core numerical meaning has persisted throughout history, although in classical usage it sometimes served as a phonetic loan for the verb 切 meaning "to cut", an application that has not endured in modern language.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我有七个苹果。
一个星期有七天。
七月是我的生日。
他七点起床。
这本书有七十页。
我们七个人一起去。
她花了七个小时完成作业。
在第七章，作者解释了这个问题。