Definitions

(verb) to arouse; to stimulate; to excite
(adjective) fierce; intense

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 激 combines the water radical 氵 on the left, which relates to liquid or flow, with the phonetic component 敫 on the right. Originally, it depicted water forcefully striking rocks, causing splashes and turbulence in a stream. This vivid image of agitated water was later extended metaphorically to describe intense human emotions. Consequently, 激 now primarily means to stimulate, arouse, or incite strong feelings, and is widely used to express anything fierce, intense, or highly emotional in both physical and abstract contexts.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我非常动。

Wǒ fēicháng jīdòng.

I am very excited.

这场比赛很烈。

Zhè chǎng bǐsài hěn jīliè.

This match is very intense.

父母经常励我。

Fùmǔ jīngcháng jīlì wǒ.

My parents often encourage me.

这个故事发了勇气。

Zhège gùshì jīfāle yǒngqì.

This story inspired courage.

不要怒你的朋友。

Bùyào jīnù nǐ de péngyǒu.

Don't anger your friends.

光用于医疗领域。

Jīguāng yòng yú yīliáo lǐngyù.

Lasers are used in the medical field.

流冲刷着岩石。

Jīliú chōngshuāzhe yánshí.

The rapids wash against the rocks.

她满怀情地歌唱。

Tā mǎn huái jīqíng de gēchàng.

She sings with full passion.