Definitions

(verb) to reside; to live
(noun) residence; house
(verb) to be (in a position; state)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "居" originally depicted a crouching posture, with its modern structure combining the semantic component "尸", often associated with a person in a resting position, and the phonetic component "古". Its early meaning of "to squat" or "to sit" expanded to encompass the act of dwelling or residing, leading to the primary sense of "to live" or "residence". This core concept of placement further extended to include meanings such as occupying a role, being in a certain state, or serving as a location for activities, as seen in terms like "居所" for dwelling or "居职" for holding office.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Spring and Autumn (771-476 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Warring States (~300 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)
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 Jin dynasty (266-420 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

住在北京。

Wǒ jūzhù zài Běijīng.

I live in Beijing.

她的家很舒适。

Tā de jiājū hěn shūshì.

Her home is very comfortable.

民们正在开会。

Jūmínmen zhèngzài kāihuì.

The residents are having a meeting.

住了二十年在这个小镇。

Tā jūzhùle èrshí nián zài zhège xiǎozhèn.

He has lived in this town for twenty years.

我们的旧已经卖掉了。

Wǒmen de jiùjū yǐjīng màidiào le.

Our old home has been sold.

他在公司于重要职位。

Tā zài gōngsī jūyú zhòngyào zhíwèi.

He holds an important position in the company.

这种植物于潮湿环境。

Zhè zhǒng zhíwù jūyú cháoshī huánjìng.

This plant lives in humid environments.

住在城市有优点也有缺点。

Jūzhù zài chéngshì yǒu yōudiǎn yě yǒu quēdiǎn.

Living in the city has advantages and disadvantages.