嗜

shì

口 + 耆

Definitions

shì addicted to; fond of; stem corresponding to -phil or -phile

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 耆 represents the sound.

Semantic: 口 Phonetic: 耆

About

嗜 is a phono-semantic compound that expresses intense desires, cravings, and entrenched habits. Its left component, 口 (mouth), anchors the meaning in oral consumption, eating, drinking, and tasting. The right component, 耆 (elder), supplies the sound and hints at a long-acquired preference. Originally, 嗜 denoted a strong physical appetite or fondness for particular foods and beverages. Later, its scope expanded to include any deep psychological inclination, addiction, or obsessive hobby, indicating a craving that is difficult to suppress or control in daily life.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我的嗜好是喝茶。

Wǒ de shìhào shì hē chá.

My hobby is drinking tea.

他嗜好收集邮票。

Tā shìhào shōují yóupiào.

He is fond of collecting stamps.

她特别嗜甜食。

Tā tèbié shì tiánshí.

She particularly likes sweet food.

弟弟嗜玩电子游戏。

Dìdi shì wán diànzǐ yóuxì.

My younger brother is addicted to playing video games.

过度嗜酒有害健康。

Guòdù shìjiǔ yǒuhài jiànkāng.

Excessive drinking is harmful to health.

他的嗜好是收集古董。

Tā de shìhào shì shōují gǔdǒng.

His hobby is collecting antiques.

她虽然嗜咖啡，但从不加糖。

Tā suīrán shì kāfēi, dàn cóng bù jiā táng.

Although she loves coffee, she never adds sugar.

鉴于他嗜烟多年，医生建议他戒烟。

Jiànyú tā shì yān duōnián, yīshēng jiànyì tā jiè yān.

Given that he has been addicted to smoking for many years, the doctor advised him to quit smoking.

Related Characters

Component: 口

Component: 耆

嗜