About
The character 服 combines 凡 (plate) and 𠬝 (subdue), where 𠬝 depicts a hand (又) pressing down a kneeling person (卩). This composition reflects the original meaning of serving or submitting, alluding to the act of serving a plate. The sense broadened to include yielding, obeying, and serving others, whether willingly or under compulsion. From the idea of service, it came to denote the clothing worn by servants and officials, eventually becoming a general term for garments, apparel, and the act of wearing clothes. It also means to take medication, now the standard verb for ingesting pills or medicinal doses.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我买了一件新衣服。
这家餐厅服务很好。
学生应该服从老师。
医生让我服用这种药。
这张床睡起来很舒服。
我十分佩服他的勇气。
他对比赛结果不服气。
他因犯罪正在服刑。
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