佐

zuǒ

亻 + 左

Definitions

zuǒ (verb) to assist; to help

zuǒ (noun) assistant; aide

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 亻 represents the meaning and 左 represents the sound.

Semantic: 亻 Phonetic: 左

About

The character 佐 is a phono-semantic compound: the left-side radical 亻 (person) supplies the meaning, and the right-side component 左 provides the sound. The phonetic 左 originally depicted a left hand, and its early meaning was "to assist", reflecting how the left hand supports the right. Over time, 左 narrowed to indicate only the direction "left", so the 亻 radical was added to create 佐, which took over the old verbal sense. Thus, 佐 means to assist, help, or serve as a deputy, typically in a subordinate role to a superior or a principal cause.

Etymology Hide

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我在菜里加了佐料。

Wǒ zài cài lǐ jiā le zuǒliào.

I added seasoning to the dish.

水果可以佐餐。

Shuǐguǒ kěyǐ zuǒcān.

Fruit can accompany a meal.

这份文件是重要佐证。

Zhè fèn wénjiàn shì zhòngyào zuǒzhèng.

This document is important evidence.

他辅佐国王治理国家。

Tā fǔzuǒ guówáng zhìlǐ guójiā.

He assists the king in governing the country.

历史资料佐证了这段历史。

Lìshǐ zīliào zuǒzhèng le zhè duàn lìshǐ.

Historical materials provide evidence for this period of history.

他负责佐理公司事务。

Tā fùzé zuǒlǐ gōngsī shìwù.

He is responsible for assisting in company affairs.

这项研究佐证了我们的假设。

Zhè xiàng yánjiū zuǒzhèng le wǒmen de jiǎshè.

This research supports our hypothesis.

科学家用数据佐证自己的理论。

Kēxuéjiā yòng shùjù zuǒzhèng zìjǐ de lǐlùn.

Scientists use data to corroborate their theories.

Related Characters

Component: 亻

Component: 左

佐