About
The character "刻" is structured as a phono-semantic compound combining the radical "刂", which denotes knife, and the component "亥", which serves as a phonetic indicator, originally conveying the act of carving or engraving with a blade. Its meaning expanded from physical incision to include a unit of time, specifically a quarter of an hour, derived from the engraved markings on water clocks and other timekeeping devices, while also developing abstract senses such as severity or precision, mirroring the exactitude required in engraving.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
请立刻告诉我。
这个时刻很重要。
他学习很刻苦。
她在木头上刻字。
此刻，我们正在开会。
雕刻家正在雕刻一座雕像。
他对时间的要求很刻板。
深刻的理解需要时间。