About
The character "夹" originates from its traditional form "夾", which structurally illustrates a central figure flanked by two others, conveying the core idea of pressing or holding between two sides. This etymology is reflected in its early meanings related to clamping, squeezing, or carrying something under the arm, derived from the visual concept of bilateral pressure. Over centuries, its semantic scope widened beyond physical interposition to encompass notions of involvement or mixing, as seen in derivatives like "夹杂" meaning to intermix. The graphical evolution simplified the composition while preserving the essential concept, with the modern form "夹" maintaining the same fundamental components hinting at a central element surrounded by supporting ones. This progression allowed the character to accumulate abstract applications, such as denoting something inserted or included, thereby extending its utility from concrete actions to more figurative contexts.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
用夹子把头发夹住。
他把文件夹在书里。
这个三明治里夹着火腿和奶酪。
他把钱夹在笔记本中。
妈妈用筷子给我夹菜。
他在两栋高楼间的夹道中穿行。
他的语气里夹杂着一丝失望。
小公司在大企业的夹缝中求生存。