施

shī

㐌 + 方

Definitions

shī (verb) to implement; to carry out; to execute

shī (verb) to distribute; to bestow; to give

shī (verb) to apply (fertilizer, makeup etc)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 㫃 represents the meaning and 也 represents the sound.

About

施 is a phono-semantic compound that pairs the meaning component 㫃 (yǎn, a fluttering banner or flag) with the sound component 也 (yě). The original sense came directly from a flag waving in the wind, suggesting a spreading or extending motion. That imagery broadened into acts of bestowing, granting, or carrying something out, often in contexts like dispensing charity or implementing policies. Today the character primarily denotes the execution of plans and the application of force, techniques, or measures.

Etymology Hide

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

农民在田里施肥。

Nóngmín zài tián lǐ shīféi.

The farmer is fertilizing in the field.

政府实施新政策。

Zhèngfǔ shíshī xīn zhèngcè.

The government implements new policies.

我们需要采取措施。

Wǒmen xūyào cǎiqǔ cuòshī.

We need to take measures.

工程师正在现场施工。

Gōngchéngshī zhèngzài xiànchǎng shīgōng.

The engineer is working on site.

他施展才华获得成功。

Tā shīzhǎn cáihuá huòdé chénggōng.

He displayed his talent and achieved success.

公司对员工施加了太大压力。

Gōngsī duì yuángōng shījiāle tài dà yālì.

The company exerted too much pressure on employees.

慈善机构经常向穷人施舍食物。

Císhàn jīgòu jīngcháng xiàng qióngrén shīshě shíwù.

Charity organizations often give alms of food to the poor.

这项措施的实施需要全体员工的配合。

Zhè xiàng cuòshī de shíshī xūyào quántǐ yuángōng de pèihé.

The implementation of this measure requires the cooperation of all employees.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 㐌

Component: 方

施