Definitions

zhà used in 叱咤[chì zhà]

Etymology phono-semantic

mouth

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

Structurally a phono-semantic compound, 咤 uses the mouth radical 口 on the left to indicate a connection to vocal actions or sounds. The right component, 宅, provides the pronunciation without contributing to the meaning. The core sense is to roar or shout angrily, conveying displeasure or authority. It often appears in compounds related to scolding or fury, functioning as a verb for a forceful verbal outburst rather than a general term for speaking.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern