Definitions

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

Etymology

Simplified form of . Duplication of (silk).

About

The character for silk, traditionally written as "絲" and simplified to "丝", originates from the concept of silk threads, with its traditional form visibly consisting of two "糸" components placed side by side to represent multiple strands. The simplified form "丝" condenses this imagery into a structure that still evokes the idea of twisted filaments. Initially denoting specifically the silk produced by silkworms, the term's meaning broadened to refer to any thin, thread-like substance such as wire or fiber, and it further extended into abstract uses to indicate minute quantities or fine details in metaphorical expressions.

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.