Definitions

zhé (adjective,noun) wise; sage

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 哲, conveying concepts of wisdom and philosophical thought, structurally combines the component 折, suggesting discernment or analysis, with 口, denoting speech, thus integrating ideas of intellectual clarity with articulate expression. Etymologically, it originated from early associations with perceptiveness and sagacity, where its meaning centered on individual wisdom and acute understanding. Over centuries, its semantic scope expanded to encompass the systematic investigation of knowledge and fundamental principles, leading to its modern application in terms like 哲学 for philosophy. This shift reflects a transition from denoting personal insight to representing a formal field of study, while the character's composition continues to highlight the interplay between reasoned analysis and communicative precision.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Wu (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢学。

Wǒ xǐhuān zhéxué.

I like philosophy.

学很有趣。

Zhéxué hěn yǒuqù.

Philosophy is very interesting.

他研究学理论。

Tā yánjiū zhéxué lǐlùn.

He researches philosophical theories.

学能帮助思考。

Zhéxué néng bāngzhù sīkǎo.

Philosophy can help with thinking.

这位人写了本书。

Zhè wèi zhérén xiěle běn shū.

This philosopher wrote a book.

他的话富有理。

Tā de huà fùyǒu zhélǐ.

His words are rich in philosophical meaning.

虽然学复杂,但我仍然感兴趣。

Suīrán zhéxué fùzá, dàn wǒ réngrán gǎn xìngqù.

Although philosophy is complex, I am still interested.

通过学探索,我们深化对生命的理解。

Tōngguò zhéxué tànsuǒ, wǒmen shēnhuà duì shēngmìng de lǐjiě.

Through philosophical exploration, we deepen our understanding of life.