Definitions
(noun)
place; location
(particle)
that which; particle introducing relative clause or passive
Etymology
Origin unclear. 戶 represents the sound.
About
The character "所" originated from the conceptual combination of the component for door or household (戶) with that for axe (斤), implying a site where an axe is wielded, such as a workshop or a designated place of activity. Its early usage centered on denoting a physical location, often one linked to specific actions or functions, but over time its application expanded to refer to any established place or institution in a more abstract sense. Structurally, it has maintained its form as a compound character, with the constituent elements continuing to reflect its initial association with a space defined by human endeavor. As the language evolved, "所" gradually assumed important grammatical roles, particularly in classical texts, where it became employed as a particle to create passive constructions or to nominalize verbs, thus shifting from a purely lexical term for place to a multifunctional element within syntactic patterns.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这是我所有的书。
他所说的话很重要。
我们所在的城市很美丽。
所以你今天必须完成作业。
这件事被所有人所知晓。
根据我所了解的情况，计划需要调整。
政府所推行的政策得到了广泛支持。
科学家所发现的这种现象颠覆了传统理论。