Definitions

xié harmonious

Etymology phono-semantic

think

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is built from , a compound of three ('strength') characters indicating combined effort, on the left, and ('thought, mind') on the right. This union produces the meaning of harmony, especially in thoughts, ideas, or collective agreements. also acts as the phonetic component, giving the character its pronunciation. Historically, the term was employed in classical literature and formal writing to denote a state of peaceful coordination or the fusion of different perspectives into a single, harmonious outlook. Today, it is seldom used in everyday vocabulary and is mainly seen in personal names, where it conveys wishes for harmony and cooperative thinking.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern