About
The character 插 is a phono-semantic compound consisting of the hand radical 扌, denoting manual action, and the component 臿, which primarily functions as a phonetic element. Its earliest recorded uses convey the basic act of inserting or thrusting one object into another, such as planting tools into soil or placing items into containers. Over time, the semantic range of 插 expanded from physical insertion to include abstract applications like interposing in discourse or intervening in events, while also adapting to modern technologies, as seen in terms for plugging devices into sockets. The character's structure, combining a meaningful radical with a phonetic component, has been consistent in representing actions associated with piercing or introducing something into a space.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
请把钥匙插进门锁。
有人喜欢在排队时插队。
墙上有一个电源插座。
他讲话时，别人不能随便插嘴。
这本书里插入了很多精美的图片。
她把鲜花插在了花瓶里。
这个项目是由政府直接投资插手的。
学习插花艺术需要耐心和创意。