Definitions

xiè surname Xie
xiè to blend; to adjust; to harmonize; harmony
xiè old variant of 燮[xiè]

Etymology

About

The character is composed of (fire, heat), (speech, words), and (hand, action). Its structure suggests an action of adjusting or modulating heat, which yields the primary meaning of harmonizing or bringing into balance. This notion of adjustment was primarily applied in political and administrative realms, where it referred to coordinating state affairs, harmonizing conflicting elements within government, and diplomatically balancing relationships to secure peace and stability.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern