About
The character "侠" originates from its traditional form "俠", which structurally integrates the person radical (人) with the component 夾, a element conveying notions of clasping or aiding, thereby etymologically suggesting an individual who supports or defends others. In early Chinese historical and philosophical contexts, this term referred to a class of itinerant martial experts who operated by a personal code of honor, often serving as protectors or arbiters outside official hierarchies. Over time, the meaning shifted from denoting a specific social role to embodying an abstract ethos of chivalry, characterized by righteous conduct, altruism, and the pursuit of justice for the vulnerable. This conceptual expansion was further shaped by its pervasive use in classical literature and later in popular media, where the "侠" archetype became central to narratives exploring moral autonomy and social responsibility, all while the core idea inherent in its linguistic construction persisted despite graphical simplifications in its written form.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他是一个大侠。
这位侠客帮助了穷人。
我喜欢看武侠小说。
他很有侠义精神。
那个侠客救了被困的人。
在现代社会，侠义行为依然值得赞扬。
尽管他不是真正的侠客，但他的行为充满了侠气。
这部电影中的主角是一位隐姓埋名的侠士，他暗中保护着百姓。