Definitions

xiè (verb) to leak (of water or gas); to discharge; to drain
xiè (verb) to divulge (secrets)
xiè (verb) to vent (anger, emotions)

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

As a phono-semantic compound, 泄 combines the semantic radical 氵 on the left, indicating a connection to water or liquid, with the phonetic component 世 on the right. Its original meaning described water diverting from a main stream, liquid seeping from a container, or general fluid leakage. This definition later expanded beyond the physical to include the figurative leakage of confidential information, unauthorized disclosure of secrets, and the emotional release of pent-up feelings like anger or frustration. Although the phonetic component 世 means "generation", "world", or "lifetime", it contributes only sound, not meaning, to the character's sense of leaking or venting.

Example Sentences Hide

水管漏了。

Shuǐguǎn xièlòu le.

The water pipe leaked.

气地走了。

Tā xièqì de zǒu le.

He left dejectedly.

不要露个人信息。

Bùyào xièlù gèrén xìnxī.

Do not disclose personal information.

工厂排废水被罚款。

Gōngchǎng páixiè fèishuǐ bèi fákuǎn.

The factory was fined for discharging wastewater.

他因密而被公司开除。

Tā yīn xièmì ér bèi gōngsī kāichú.

He was fired by the company for leaking secrets.

情绪需要适当宣以免压抑。

Qíngxù xūyào shìdàng xuānxiè yǐmiǎn yāyì.

Emotions need to be properly vented to avoid repression.

水库洪是为了防止洪水泛滥。

Shuǐkù xièhóng shì wèile fángzhǐ hóngshuǐ fànlàn.

The reservoir released floodwaters to prevent flooding.

法律严禁露国家机密的行为。

Fǎlǜ yánjìn xièlù guójiā jīmì de xíngwéi.

The law strictly prohibits the disclosure of state secrets.