Definitions

(preposition) according to; based on
(verb) to seize; to occupy
(verb) to depend on; to rely on

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phonosemantic compound and the simplified form of . The semantic component (hand) points to the original meaning of gripping or leaning on something for support, while provides the sound (replacing the earlier phonetic found in ). This physical act of leaning later gave rise to the abstract sense of relying on information, leading to modern meanings like "according to", "based on", or "as evidence". The character can serve as a noun meaning data or proof, or as a preposition indicating the basis of a statement.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

说今天会下雨。

Jùshuō jīntiān huì xià yǔ.

It is said that it will rain today.

计划,我们明天出发。

Gēnjù jìhuà, wǒmen míngtiān chūfā.

According to the plan, we will depart tomorrow.

警察找到了新的证

Jǐngchá zhǎo dào le xīn de zhèngjù.

The police found new evidence.

实报告了情况。

Tā jù shí bàogào le qíngkuàng.

He reported the situation based on facts.

天气预报,周末天气晴朗。

Gēnjù tiānqì yùbào, zhōumò tiānqì qínglǎng.

According to the weather forecast, the weather will be clear on the weekend.

悉,会议将于下周举行。

Jùxī, huìyì jiāng yú xià zhōu jǔxíng.

It is learned that the meeting will be held next week.

我了解,他最近很忙。

Jù wǒ liǎojiě, tā zuìjìn hěn máng.

From what I understand, he has been very busy recently.

历史记载,这座城市建于明朝。

Jù lìshǐ jìzǎi, zhè zuò chéngshì jiàn yú Míngcháo.

According to historical records, this city was built during the Ming Dynasty.