Definitions

(verb) to drape over; to put on (clothes)
(verb) to open; to spread out; to unroll

Etymology

To put on  fur  also provides the pronunciation

About

The character '披' is structured as a phono-semantic compound, combining the hand radical '扌' to denote manual action with the component '皮' which primarily serves as a phonetic indicator but also contributes semantically through its association with skin or hide, suggesting an original sense related to handling or spreading out materials such as leather. Over time, its meanings expanded to encompass actions like draping garments over one's shoulders, opening objects such as scrolls or books, and even metaphorically to the idea of spreading out or dispersing, as seen in literary contexts, while the core concept of applying force with the hand to unfold or cover remains evident across these varied uses.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

上了外套。

Tā pī shàngle wàitào.

He put on his coat.

着红色的围巾。

Tā pīzhe hóngsè de wéijīn.

She is wearing a red scarf.

妈妈上大衣去上班。

Māma pī shàng dàyī qù shàngbān.

Mom put on her coat and went to work.

弟弟着毯子看电视。

Dìdi pīzhe tǎnzi kàn diànshì.

Little brother is watching TV wrapped in a blanket.

阅了那些古老的文件。

Tā pīyuèle nàxiē gǔlǎo de wénjiàn.

He perused those ancient documents.

公司露了最新的财务报告。

Gōngsī pīlùle zuìxīn de cáiwù bàogào.

The company disclosed the latest financial report.

着婚纱的她显得格外美丽。

Pīzhe hūnshā de tā xiǎnde géwài měilì.

She looked exceptionally beautiful wearing the wedding dress.

着朦胧的月色独自漫步。

Tā pīzhe ménglóng de yuèsè dúzì mànbù.

He walked alone draped in the hazy moonlight.