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Etymology phono-semantic
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The character 斋 (zhāi), from its traditional form 齋, is a phono-semantic compound. It combines the semantic radical 示 (shì), related to spiritual matters and altars, with the phonetic element 齊 (qí). Its original meaning referred to the ritual purification and fasting practiced before solemn sacrifices or worship. Over time, the sense broadened to include the vegetarian diet observed by Buddhist monks. It also developed an architectural meaning, denoting a quiet study, private library, or scholarly retreat for focused contemplation.
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Example Sentences Hide
这顿斋饭很好吃。
我的书斋有很多书。
她为了健康开始吃斋。
在寺庙里，人们通常吃斋饭。
斋月期间他们斋戒。
斋戒不仅是一种宗教行为，也是一种养生方式。
每逢斋月，穆斯林信徒都会严格遵守斋戒的规定。
在古代，学者们常常在幽静的书斋中潜心研究经典著作。