Definitions

(noun) silk; thread
(noun) shreds; strips (especially in cooking)
(noun) trace; hint; bit

Etymology

Simplified form of . Duplication of (silk).

About

丝 is the simplified form of 絲, which originally depicted two identical silk radicals side by side to represent multiple strands of twisted thread. The simplified version retains this visual duplication but streamlines the strokes, connecting them at the base with a single horizontal line for writing efficiency. Its core meaning has always referred to the fine fiber produced by silkworms. Because these fibers are exceptionally thin and delicate, 丝 also serves as a measure word or descriptor for a minute quantity, a faint trace, or something extremely fine.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

绸很柔软。

Sīchóu hěn róuruǎn.

Silk is very soft.

她有一微笑。

Tā yǒu yī sī wēixiào.

She has a hint of a smile.

汤很好吃。

Fěnsī tāng hěn hǎo chī.

Glass noodle soup is delicious.

网很坚固。

Tiěsī wǎng hěn jiāngù.

The wire mesh is very sturdy.

轻轻地落下。

Yǔsī qīngqīng de luòxià.

The drizzle falls gently.

毫不感到惊讶。

Tā sīháo bù gǎndào jīngyà.

He didn't feel surprised at all.

绸之路历史悠久。

Sīchóu zhī lù lìshǐ yōujiǔ.

The Silk Road has a long history.

她对艺术有一独特的见解。

Tā duì yìshù yǒu yī sī dútè de jiànjiě.

She has a unique insight into art.