儒

rú

亻 + 需

Definitions

rú (noun) scholar; Confucian

Etymology

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

Semantic: 亻 Phonetic: 需

About

The character 儒 is a phono-semantic compound, combining the semantic radical 亻 (a form of 人 'person') with the phonetic element 需 (xū). In its original sense, it referred to a scholar versed in traditional rites and ceremonies, sometimes suggesting physical delicacy in contrast to martial figures. With the rise of Confucius's teachings, the meaning shifted to designate a Confucian scholar or Confucianism as a whole. The phonetic component 需, which on its own means 'need' or 'require,' plays no semantic role here.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他学习儒学。

Tā xué xí rú xué.

He studies Confucianism.

儒家思想很深刻。

Rú jiā sī xiǎng hěn shēn kè.

Confucian thought is very profound.

这位儒生很用功。

Zhè wèi rú shēng hěn yòng gōng.

This Confucian scholar is very diligent.

儒雅是一种风度。

Rú yǎ shì yī zhǒng fēng dù.

Scholarly refinement is a kind of demeanor.

儒商注重诚信经营。

Rú shāng zhù zhòng chéng xìn jīng yíng.

Confucian businessmen emphasize honest operation.

儒学在中国历史上很重要。

Rú xué zài Zhōng guó lì shǐ shàng hěn zhòng yào.

Confucian studies are very important in Chinese history.

儒将既能文也能武。

Rú jiàng jì néng wén yě néng wǔ.

A scholar-general is both literate and martial.

儒家文化对东亚社会有深远影响。

Rú jiā wén huà duì Dōng Yà shè huì yǒu shēn yuǎn yǐng xiǎng.

Confucian culture has a profound influence on East Asian societies.

Related Characters

Component: 亻

Component: 需

儒