Definitions

(adjective) suitable; appropriate; proper; fitting
(auxiliary verb) should; ought to

Etymology

Originally depicted two pieces of meat () on a sacrificial altar (). Based on the original meaning "sacrificial meat". The meaning later shifted to "suitable".

About

The character 宜 is composed of the roof radical 宀 above the component 且, a structure which has been consistent in its modern form. Etymologically, this composition suggests a connection to ritual conduct within a dwelling, with 且 likely representing a ritual stand or vessel. Its earliest meanings were associated with sacrificial offerings and the ceremonies themselves. From this concrete sense of ritually proper conduct, the meaning generalized and abstracted over time to signify what is fitting, suitable, or appropriate in a broader social and practical context, which is its core meaning today.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Warring States (475-221 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Warring States (475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 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

这个水果很便

Zhège shuǐguǒ hěn piányi.

This fruit is very cheap.

的运动对身体好。

Shìyí de yùndòng duì shēntǐ hǎo.

Suitable exercise is good for the body.

公园的环境十分人。

Gōngyuán de huánjìng shífēn yírén.

The park's environment is very pleasant.

他买了一件便的衬衫。

Tā mǎi le yī jiàn piányi de chènshān.

He bought a cheap shirt.

这种温度适植物生长。

Zhè zhǒng wēndù shìyí zhíwù shēngzhǎng.

This temperature is suitable for plant growth.

人的气候吸引了很多游客。

Yírén de qìhòu xīyǐnle hěnduō yóukè.

The pleasant climate attracts many tourists.

便的商品不一定质量差。

Piányi de shāngpǐn bù yīdìng zhìliàng chà.

Cheap products are not necessarily of poor quality.

在适的时间做适的事很重要。

Zài shìyí de shíjiān zuò shìyí de shì hěn zhòngyào.

It is important to do the right thing at the right time.