Definitions

jiā (adjective) good; fine; excellent
jiā (adjective) beautiful

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 佳, conveying ideas of beauty and excellence, originates from a structural composition that merges the radical for person (人) with the element 圭, a ceremonial jade tablet symbolizing refinement and value, thereby implying a person adorned with or possessing the esteemed qualities of jade. Initially denoting physical beauty, particularly in reference to individuals, its meaning gradually expanded over time to encompass a broader spectrum of positive attributes, including general goodness, auspiciousness, and high quality, which is evident in its persistent use within compounds describing fine craftsmanship, prosperous occasions, and ideal circumstances. This semantic shift from a more specific aesthetic descriptor to a versatile term of approval highlights its enduring role in expressing commendation without alteration to its written form.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 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

今天的天气绝

Jīntiān de tiānqì jué jiā.

Today's weather is excellent.

这道菜真是美味肴。

Zhè dào cài zhēnshi měiwèi jiāyáo.

This dish is truly delicious food (a culinary delight).

她是我心中的最人选。

Tā shì wǒ xīnzhōng de zuì jiā rénxuǎn.

She is the best candidate in my mind.

祝你节愉快,阖家幸福。

Zhù nǐ jiājié yúkuài, hé jiā xìngfú.

Wishing you a happy festival and a happy family.

这次考试成绩不,我需要努力。

Zhè cì kǎoshì chéngjī bù jiā, wǒ xūyào nǔlì.

My performance on this exam was not good; I need to work hard.

他们俩情投意合,堪称偶。

Tāmen liǎ qíng tóu yì hé, kān chēng jiā'ǒu.

The two of them are perfectly compatible and can be called an ideal couple.

他在比赛中屡创绩。

Tā zài bǐsài zhōng lǚ chuàng jiājì.

He repeatedly achieved excellent results in the competition.

这位作家善于刻画才子人的故事。

Zhè wèi zuòjiā shànyú kèhuà cáizǐ jiārén de gùshi.

This writer is good at portraying stories of gifted scholars and beautiful ladies.