About
The character "岔" is structurally composed of the elements "山" (mountain) and "分" (to divide), which together visually and semantically convey the idea of a division within mountainous terrain. Etymologically, this construction aligns with its initial reference to a forked path or branching stream in a landscape, emphasizing a point of separation. As language evolved, the meaning of "岔" extended beyond physical geography to encompass any form of branching or divergence, and it acquired a metaphorical layer in colloquial usage, where it came to signify an unexpected problem or mishap. This semantic expansion occurred while the character's form remained stable, preserving its original compositional logic.
Example Sentences Hide
前面有一个岔路。
请不要打岔。
他岔开了话题。
我们在岔路口见面。
这条小路分岔成两条。
他说话总是爱打岔。
如果你在岔道走错，就会迷路。
为了避免混淆，他特意岔开了两个相似的问题。