Definitions

(adjective) lucky; auspicious

Etymology

Depicts a hook-shaped weapon made out of copper. Based on the original meaning "solid, difficult to break". The meaning later shifted to "good" and "lucky".

About

The character 吉, in its contemporary structure, is composed of 士 positioned above 口, with 士 typically representing a scholar or warrior and 口 denoting a mouth, which together suggest the idea of propitious speech or declarations. Etymologically, while this configuration implies such an interpretation, analysis of earlier forms indicates that the character likely derived from depictions related to positive ritual or ceremonial outcomes. Over time, the meaning of 吉 has consistently centered on auspiciousness and good fortune, evident in its application within various lexical compounds and contexts denoting luck and favorable circumstances.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Spring and Autumn (771-476 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

今天是个利的日子。

Jīntiān shì gè jílì de rìzi.

Today is a lucky day.

他开普车去上班。

Tā kāi jípǔchē qù shàngbān.

He drives a jeep to work.

林省在中国东北。

Jílín Shěng zài Zhōngguó dōngběi.

Jilin Province is in northeast China.

祥的祝福送给你。

Jíxiáng de zhùfú sòng gěi nǐ.

Auspicious blessings to you.

这个礼物代表利。

Zhège lǐwù dàibiǎo jílì.

This gift represents good luck.

如果你去林,记得穿暖和。

Rúguǒ nǐ qù Jílín, jìde chuān nuǎnhuo.

If you go to Jilin, remember to dress warmly.

普车在越野时表现很好。

Jípǔchē zài yuèyě shí biǎoxiàn hěn hǎo.

The jeep performs well when off-roading.

据说过年放鞭炮能带来利。

Jùshuō guònián fàng biānpào néng dàilái jílì.

It is said that setting off firecrackers during New Year can bring good luck.