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 originally depicted a hook-shaped weapon made of copper, conveying something solid and difficult to break. This sense of firmness later shifted to "good" and "lucky", giving the character its core meaning of auspiciousness and good fortune. In its modern form, 士 (derived from the weapon) sits above 口, and the character appears widely in greetings, names, and divination contexts. In ancient usage, it also functioned as a verb meaning to perform a favorable ritual or make something auspicious, extending beyond description to the active securing of positive outcomes.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
今天是个吉利的日子。
他开吉普车去上班。
吉林省在中国东北。
吉祥的祝福送给你。
这个礼物代表吉利。
如果你去吉林，记得穿暖和。
吉普车在越野时表现很好。
据说过年放鞭炮能带来吉利。
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