Definitions
(adverb)
likewise; also; too
Etymology
Pictograph of a person, with two dots at the armpits. Based on the original meaning "armpit", now written as 腋. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.
About
The character "亦" originated from a pictographic depiction of a human figure with markings under the arms to denote the armpits, representing its initial literal meaning. This concrete reference was gradually abandoned as the character was borrowed for its phonetic properties to function as an adverb meaning "also" or "too", a semantic shift that solidified during the classical period. Structurally, it is often viewed as a modification of the character "大", though it stands as an independent form with two added strokes that have remained unchanged. Over time, its original association with the physical body faded entirely, and "亦" became entrenched in written language to express addition or parallelism, reflecting a broader pattern where characters move from concrete to abstract roles.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我亦喜欢这本书。
他亦不会游泳。
她既漂亮亦善良。
如果你同意，我亦同意。
此项规定亦适用于新员工。
在会议上，他亦提出了重要建议。
虽然任务艰巨，但我们亦有信心完成。
鉴于过去经验，此次改革亦需逐步推进，且各方意见亦应充分考虑。