About
The character 宰, structurally comprising the roof radical 宀 over 辛 which suggests hardship or labor, originally denoted the act of butchering animals, particularly for sacrificial rites within a household or temple context. This ritual responsibility was linked to figures of authority, leading the term to acquire meanings related to governance and high-ranking officials, such as in the compound 宰相 for a prime minister. Over time, its usage expanded to convey general control or dominion, as in 主宰, while retaining its foundational sense of slaughter in words like 屠宰.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他宰了一只羊。
今天屠宰场很忙。
宰相必须聪明能干。
为了庆祝节日，他们宰了一头猪。
那个屠夫熟练地宰了牛。
这家店经常宰客，别去。
虽然他是宰相，但生活很简朴。
在古老仪式中，宰牲行为十分庄严。