About
The character "叮" is structured as a phonetic compound, combining the mouth radical "口" on the left to signify an action related to the mouth or sound, with the component "丁" on the right which primarily provides its phonetic value. Its origin is onomatopoeic, created to mimic the sound of a small bell or a light, repetitive striking noise, such as that made by an insect or a drop of water. From this core auditory concept, its semantic field expanded to encompass the action of making such a sound, as in the buzzing of a mosquito, which logically led to the associated meaning of a bite or sting from that insect. This connection further allowed for extended figurative uses, such as issuing a pointed or earnest verbal instruction, conveying the sense of a sharp, persistent verbal prodding akin to a physical sting.
Example Sentences Hide
门铃叮咚响。
蚊子叮了我的胳膊。
妈妈再三叮嘱我要小心。
我被蜜蜂叮了一下。
他不断叮问事情的细节。
老师叮咛我们考试别迟到。
这种昆虫会叮人并传播疾病。
主管叮了他一句，让他注意报告中的错误。