Definitions

kuì to sigh

Etymology phono-semantic

mouth

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phono-semantic compound combining the mouth radical (indicating vocalization) with the phonetic . It describes a deep, heavy, or long sigh that conveys sorrow, resignation, weariness, or profound realization. This character appears mainly in classical and formal texts to depict an audible sigh of lamentation or deep contemplation, linking the vocal act suggested by the radical to inner distress or exhaustion.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern