Definitions

surname Yu
shù variant of 腧[shù]
yes (used by Emperor or ruler); OK; to accede; to assent

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Original meaning unclear.

About

The character "俞" traces its origins to an early conceptualization of hollowing out wood to create a boat or trough, a meaning embedded within its structural composition that combines elements evoking human activity and the use of tools. Initially conveying this concrete act of fabrication, its semantic scope broadened over centuries to encompass abstract expressions of consent and approval, a shift likely influenced by the conceptual bridge between crafting something to fit a purpose and affirming a proposal. The traditional form of the character, while stylized in its modern configuration, retains components historically associated with a covering, a vessel, and a blade, collectively alluding to its original utilitarian context. This evolution from denoting a physical process to serving as a term of assent illustrates the character's integration into broader linguistic frameworks while maintaining a traceable link to its etymological roots.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Spring and Autumn (~600 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

先生来自北京。

Yú xiānsheng láizì Běijīng.

Mr. Yu comes from Beijing.

小姐是一名医生。

Yú xiǎojiě shì yī míng yīshēng.

Miss Yu is a doctor.

经理允了加班申请。

Jīnglǐ yúyǔnle jiābān shēnqǐng.

The manager approved the overtime application.

中医经常刺激穴。

Zhōngyī jīngcháng cìjī yúxué.

Traditional Chinese medicine often stimulates acupuncture points.

教授的研究很有价值。

Yú jiàoshòu de yánjiū hěn yǒu jiàzhí.

Professor Yu's research is very valuable.

经过讨论,主席允了这个提案。

Jīngguò tǎolùn, zhǔxí yúyǔnle zhège tí'àn.

After discussion, the chairman approved this proposal.

在针灸中,穴的位置很重要。

Zài zhēnjiǔ zhōng, yúxué de wèizhì hěn zhòngyào.

In acupuncture, the location of acupuncture points is very important.

如果先生不允,我们就不能继续。

Rúguǒ Yú xiānsheng bù yúyǔn, wǒmen jiù bù néng jìxù.

If Mr. Yu does not consent, we cannot continue.