Definitions

xiè (verb) to unload; to remove
xiè (verb) to get rid of

Etymology phono-semantic

stop

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "卸" is structurally composed of "午" and "卩", where the latter typically represents a person in a kneeling posture, while the former may have originally functioned as a phonetic indicator or contributed a sense of cessation or opposition. This configuration etymologically points to an early meaning centered on the act of unloading, perhaps specifically referring to the removal of burdens from pack animals or vehicles after a journey. Over time, its application broadened from this physical sense to include abstract forms of disengagement, such as relinquishing an official post, removing personal adornments, or abandoning responsibilities. Despite the absence of a simplified variant, the character's form has persisted with little alteration, and its fundamental notion of release or separation remains evident in contemporary language.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

工人正在货。

Gōngrén zhèngzài xièhuò.

Workers are unloading the goods.

她晚上要妆。

Tā wǎnshàng yào xièzhuāng.

She needs to remove her makeup in the evening.

船长负责货。

Chuánzhǎng fùzé xièhuò.

The captain is responsible for unloading the goods.

总统即将任。

Zǒngtǒng jíjiāng xièrèn.

The president is about to step down from office.

司机把货物从车上下来。

Sījī bǎ huòwù cóng chē shàng xiè xiàlái.

The driver unloads the goods from the vehicle.

他疲惫地下了沉重的包袱。

Tā píbèi de xiè xiàle chénzhòng de bāofu.

He wearily卸下 the heavy burden.

货过程必须确保安全。

Xièhuò guòchéng bìxū quèbǎo ānquán.

The unloading process must ensure safety.

在完成所有任务后,他终于可以下肩上的责任。

Zài wánchéng suǒyǒu rènwù hòu, tā zhōngyú kěyǐ xiè xià jiān shàng de zérèn.

After completing all tasks, he can finally卸下 the responsibility on his shoulders.