冶

yě

冫 + 台

Definitions

yě (verb) to smelt; to cast

yě (adjective) seductive

Etymology

About

冶 is a phono-semantic compound combining the ice radical 冫 on the left with the phonetic indicator 台 on the right. Its original and primary sense relates to the industrial practice of smelting ores, casting metals, and forging tools or weapons in a furnace. From this concrete metallurgical meaning, the character developed a secondary, figurative use describing a person (often in reference to physical appearance or demeanor) as exceedingly alluring and seductive. This striking attractiveness is typically viewed with a hint of moral suspicion, implying an almost dangerous or decadent charm.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Warring States (475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal etymology image

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

冶金工业很重要。

Yějīn gōngyè hěn zhòngyào.

The metallurgy industry is very important.

工厂在冶炼钢铁。

Gōngchǎng zài yěliàn gāngtiě.

The factory is smelting steel.

冶金技术发展很快。

Yějīn jìshù fāzhǎn hěn kuài.

Metallurgy technology is developing rapidly.

音乐可以陶冶情操。

Yīnyuè kěyǐ táoyě qíngcāo.

Music can cultivate one's sentiment.

这座冶炼厂产量很高。

Zhè zuò yěliàn chǎng chǎnliàng hěn gāo.

This smelting plant has a very high output.

现代冶金需要高科技。

Xiàndài yějīn xūyào gāo kējì.

Modern metallurgy requires high technology.

她的打扮十分冶艳。

Tā de dǎbàn shífēn yěyàn.

Her attire is very seductive.

通过冶炼矿石，我们获得金属。

Tōngguò yěliàn kuàngshí, wǒmen huòdé jīnshǔ.

Through smelting ores, we obtain metals.

Related Characters

Component: 冫

Component: 台

Example Words