Definitions

(verb) to experience; to undergo
(noun) history
(noun) calendar

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "历" in its contemporary simplified form derives from the convergence of two traditional characters, "曆" and "歷", which initially held separate semantic domains. "曆", pertaining to calendar and astronomical measurement, structurally integrates the component "日" (sun) to reflect its association with time, while "歷", meaning to pass through or undergo, incorporates "止" (foot) to suggest motion or progression. The simplified orthography "历" reduces these to the elements "厂" and "力", the latter potentially serving a phonetic role. Over time, the distinct meanings of calendar systems and sequential experience have blended within the usage of "历", enabling it to denote both chronological record and personal or historical passage.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Wu (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我对史感兴趣。

Wǒ duì lìshǐ gǎn xìngqù.

I am interested in history.

他经了许多困难。

Tā jīnglìle xǔduō kùnnán.

He experienced many difficulties.

我每天看日

Wǒ měitiān kàn rìlì.

I look at the calendar every day.

中国古代法很先进。

Zhōngguó gǔdài lìfǎ hěn xiānjìn.

Ancient Chinese calendar systems were very advanced.

届奥运会都很精彩。

Lìjiè Àoyùnhuì dōu hěn jīngcǎi.

All previous Olympic Games have been wonderful.

孩子们喜欢听险故事。

Háizimen xǐhuān tīng lìxiǎn gùshì.

Children like listening to adventure stories.

年来的数据表明增长。

Lìnián lái de shùjù biǎomíng zēngzhǎng.

Data over the years shows growth.

通过回顾史,我们可以吸取经验教训。

Tōngguò huígù lìshǐ, wǒmen kěyǐ xīqǔ jīngyàn jiàoxùn.

By reviewing history, we can learn lessons from experience.