Definitions

shì (bound form) to rely on; (literary) one's mother

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

Composed of the heart radical "忄" and the phonetic component "寺", the character "恃" has historically represented concepts of reliance and trust, with its structure highlighting the emotional aspect of dependence. Its etymology traces back to classical usage where it denoted relying upon or having confidence in something, a meaning that has persisted through time while acquiring subtle contextual variations. For instance, in modern compounds like "自恃", it can carry connotations of arrogance or self-assurance beyond mere dependence, reflecting a shift in application rather than a change in fundamental definition. The character's form has remained consistent, allowing it to convey these evolving nuances without alteration to its written composition.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
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 Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

财生活。

tā shì cái shēng huó

He lives relying on wealth.

宠行事。

tā shì chǒng xíng shì

She acts relying on favor.

你不能势压人。

nǐ bù néng shì shì yā rén

You cannot oppress people relying on power.

才自满不进步。

tā shì cái zì mǎn bù jìn bù

He is complacent relying on talent and does not improve.

孩子宠而骄父母要管。

hái zi shì chǒng ér jiāo fù mǔ yào guǎn

Children become arrogant relying on favor, parents need to discipline.

在团队中强欺负弱者不好。

zài tuán duì zhōng shì qiáng qī fu ruò zhě bù hǎo

In teams, relying on strength to bully the weak is not good.

着家族背景傲慢无礼。

tā shì zhe jiā zú bèi jǐng ào màn wú lǐ

Relying on his family background, he is arrogant and rude.

尽管他着自己的聪明但还是失败了。

jǐn guǎn tā shì zhe zì jǐ de cōng míng dàn hái shì shī bài le

Although he relies on his own intelligence, he still failed.