契

qì

㓞 + 大

Definitions

qì (verb) to carve; to engrave

qì (noun) contract; agreement; deed

Etymology

A contract signed by cutting notches 㓞 in wood 大

About

The character 契 is an ideogrammatic compound that combines 㓞 (a knife 刀 cutting notches 丰) with 大 (wood), illustrating the ancient practice of carving tally marks into wood or bamboo to record numbers, agreements, or events before writing was widespread. Because these notched tallies served as binding proof between parties, the character came to denote formal contracts, legal deeds, and written agreements, and later extended to express close affinity or a perfect match.

Etymology Hide

Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们签了一份契约。

Wǒmen qiānle yī fèn qìyuē.

We signed a contract.

他们之间很有默契。

Tāmen zhījiān hěn yǒu mòqì.

They have a good tacit understanding between them.

这是重要的契据。

Zhè shì zhòngyào de qìjù.

This is an important deed.

他在石头上契刻文字。

Tā zài shítou shàng qìkè wénzì.

He carves characters on the stone.

这份契约需要双方同意。

Zhè fèn qìyuē xūyào shuāngfāng tóngyì.

This contract requires agreement from both parties.

他是我的契友之一。

Tā shì wǒ de qìyǒu zhī yī.

He is one of my close friends.

这次会议是一个重要的契机。

Zhè cì huìyì shì yīgè zhòngyào de qìjī.

This meeting is an important opportunity.

在商业交往中，契约精神至关重要。

Zài shāngyè jiāowǎng zhōng, qìyuē jīngshén zhìguān zhòngyào.

In business interactions, the spirit of contract is crucial.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 㓞

Component: 大

契