Definitions

(verb) to provoke; to irritate; to anger
(verb) to attract (trouble); to cause (problems)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

惹 is a phono-semantic compound with the heart radical 心 at the bottom, linking its meaning to emotions and interpersonal reactions. The upper component 若 serves as the phonetic indicator. Its core sense involves provoking a response or stirring up trouble through one's actions or words. The meaning extends to attracting attention, eliciting feelings like laughter or anger in others, and bringing about unwelcome consequences. The emphasis is on initiating a chain of events with emotional or practical outcomes, highlighting the interpersonal impact of an individual's conduct.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

你不要我。

Nǐ bù yào rě wǒ.

Don't provoke me.

了大事。

Tā rě le dà shì.

He caused a big trouble.

这孩子真人爱。

Zhè háizi zhēn rě rén ài.

This child is really lovable.

别招那些坏人。

Bié zhāo rě nàxiē huài rén.

Don't provoke those bad people.

的麻烦太多了。

Nǐ rě de máfan tài duō le.

You have caused too much trouble.

她的话怒了大家。

Tā de huà rě nù le dàjiā.

Her words angered everyone.

你为什么总是麻烦?

Nǐ wèishénme zǒngshì rě máfan?

Why do you always cause trouble?

如果你再他生气,他可能会离开。

Rúguǒ nǐ zài rě tā shēngqì, tā kěnéng huì líkāi.

If you provoke him again, he might leave.