Definitions

tuǒ (adjective) suitable; adequate
tuǒ (adjective) settled; properly arranged

Etymology

Depicts a hand () calming a woman () down. The meaning later shifted to "adequate", "suitable", and "satisfactory".

About

The character "妥" originates from a compositional structure where the hand radical (爫) is positioned above the character for woman (女), a configuration that initially depicted an act of capture or subjugation, thereby conveying the conceptual foundation of bringing something under control. This etymology reflects an early association with pacification and settlement, meanings that gradually shifted from physical restraint toward denoting a state of stability and completion. As usage evolved, the semantic focus broadened to encompass abstract situations where affairs are satisfactorily arranged or resolved, ultimately solidifying into its contemporary senses of appropriateness, suitability, and things being properly settled. The graphical form has maintained this fundamental construction throughout its history, allowing the accumulation of these related meanings within a single, persistent visual representation.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个办法很当。

Zhège bànfǎ hěn tuǒdàng.

This method is very proper.

他们最终达成了协。

Tāmen zuìzhōng dáchéng le tuǒxié.

They finally reached a compromise.

善保管这些文件。

Qǐng tuǒshàn bǎoguǎn zhèxiē wénjiàn.

Please properly keep these documents.

他把事情处理得很帖。

Tā bǎ shìqíng chǔlǐ dé hěn tuǒtiē.

He handled the matter very appropriately.

我已经办了所有手续。

Wǒ yǐjīng bàntuǒ le suǒyǒu shǒuxù.

I have already completed all the procedures.

我们谈了合作的条件。

Wǒmen tántuǒ le hézuò de tiáojiàn.

We have negotiated the terms of cooperation.

这是一个稳的投资计划。

Zhè shì yīgè wěntuǒ de tóuzī jìhuà.

This is a safe investment plan.

经过多次讨论,方案才得以当地确定下来。

Jīngguò duōcì tǎolùn, fāng'àn cái déyǐ tuǒdàng de quèdìng xiàlái.

After several discussions, the plan was properly finalized.