嘉

jiā

加 + 壴

Definitions

jiā (adjective) excellent; fine; praiseworthy

jiā (verb) to praise; to commend

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 壴 represents the meaning and 加 represents the sound.

Semantic: 壴 Phonetic: 加

About

嘉 is a phono-semantic compound combining 壴 (zhù, a drum on a stand) as the semantic component and 加 (jiā) as the phonetic. Because drums were played at celebratory events, the character conveys excellence, goodness, happiness, and auspiciousness. It is used to describe things that are praiseworthy, beautiful, or beneficial, and serves as an adjective meaning excellent or joyful, or a verb meaning to praise, commend, or approve. This strong positive association with festive ceremonies makes it popular in personal names and congratulatory phrases.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个周末有嘉年华活动。

Zhège zhōumò yǒu jiāniánhuá huódòng.

There is a carnival activity this weekend.

学校嘉奖了优秀的学生。

Xuéxiào jiājiǎngle yōuxiù de xuéshēng.

The school commended the outstanding students.

嘉宾们陆续走进了会场。

Jiābīnmen lùxù zǒu jìnle huìchǎng.

The guests entered the venue one after another.

他的善举得到了众人的嘉许。

Tā de shàn jǔ dédàole zhòngrén de jiāxǔ.

His good deed received praise from everyone.

这份贺礼承载着美好的嘉愿。

Zhè fèn hèlǐ chéngzàizhe měihǎo de jiā yuàn.

This congratulatory gift carries beautiful and auspicious wishes.

评审团对他的设计给予了嘉评。

Pǐnshěntuán duì tā de shèjì jǐyǔle jiā píng.

The judging panel gave favorable comments on his design.

这座建筑是古代艺术的嘉构。

Zhè zuò jiànzhù shì gǔdài yìshù de jiā gòu.

This building is a superb example of ancient art.

她嘉言懿行的品格令人敬仰。

Tā jiā yán yì xíng de pǐngé lìng rén jìngyǎng.

Her virtuous words and admirable conduct command respect.

Related Characters

Component: 加

Component: 壴

Example Words