About
The character "寄" has maintained a consistent structural composition and core concept throughout its history, constructed from the radical "宀" representing a roof or dwelling, combined with "奇" which denotes something unusual or extraordinary, together forming the idea of temporarily placing something in an unusual or separate location. Its earliest meanings centered on the act of lodging or residing in a place that is not one's permanent home, which naturally extended to the abstract sense of entrusting or depositing something, whether an object, a task, or a hope, into the care of another. From this foundation of physical and metaphorical placement, its application later specialized to the common modern function of sending or mailing, a logical progression from the idea of consigning a message or item to a carrier for delivery. Thus, while its primary usage has shifted from lodging persons to dispatching communications, the underlying notion of temporary transfer and entrusted placement remains integral to the character.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我今天寄了一封信。
他寄给我一个包裹。
我把希望寄托在你身上。
寄生虫生活在宿主体内。
他暂时寄居在朋友家。
我们寄予这个项目厚望。
如果你要寄快递，请填写运单。
在数字化时代，传统寄信方式逐渐减少。