Definitions

zuǒ (verb) to assist; to help
zuǒ (noun) assistant; aide

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "佐" derives its meaning from the idea of assistance, originating from its component "左", meaning "left", which in early cultural contexts often implied a subsidiary or supportive position, combined with the human radical "亻" to indicate a person fulfilling such a role. Its structure, consistently pairing these elements, visually communicates this concept of human aid, with the right component contributing both sound and associative meaning. Over centuries, the semantic range of "佐" has maintained a focus on supplementary help, evolving from specific applications such as denoting government deputies or military adjutants who aided superiors to more general uses in compounds like "佐料", referring to ingredients that complement a dish, or "佐证", indicating supporting evidence, all while preserving its core notion of auxiliary function.

Etymology Hide

Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
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 Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我在菜里加了料。

Wǒ zài cài lǐ jiā le zuǒliào.

I added seasoning to the dish.

水果可以餐。

Shuǐguǒ kěyǐ zuǒcān.

Fruit can accompany a meal.

这份文件是重要证。

Zhè fèn wénjiàn shì zhòngyào zuǒzhèng.

This document is important evidence.

他辅国王治理国家。

Tā fǔzuǒ guówáng zhìlǐ guójiā.

He assists the king in governing the country.

历史资料证了这段历史。

Lìshǐ zīliào zuǒzhèng le zhè duàn lìshǐ.

Historical materials provide evidence for this period of history.

他负责理公司事务。

Tā fùzé zuǒlǐ gōngsī shìwù.

He is responsible for assisting in company affairs.

这项研究证了我们的假设。

Zhè xiàng yánjiū zuǒzhèng le wǒmen de jiǎshè.

This research supports our hypothesis.

科学家用数据证自己的理论。

Kēxuéjiā yòng shùjù zuǒzhèng zìjǐ de lǐlùn.

Scientists use data to corroborate their theories.