About
The character '匪' structurally combines the radical '匚,' implying a contained space, with the component '非,' which provides phonetic guidance and inherently conveys notions of negation or deviation. Its earliest documented sense referred to a specific basket or container, a tangible meaning that has long become obsolete. Through processes of phonetic borrowing and semantic association, the character gradually adopted the abstract meaning of 'bandit' or 'robber,' where the negative aspects of '非' emphasized actions contrary to law and order. This evolution resulted in the modern primary definition denoting illicit individuals, while its earlier role as a classical negative particle meaning 'not' remains a vestige in literary contexts, marking a transition from a concrete object to a term for social transgression.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
那个土匪很凶恶。
匪徒被警察抓住了。
山区曾有匪患。
匪首最终投降了。
这些匪徒抢劫了银行。
政府出兵剿匪，维护治安。
他的行为近乎匪类。
历史上，匪帮常常与官府对抗。