About
The character "状", traditionally written as "狀", derives from a combination of the component "犬", representing a dog, and "爿", which originally functioned as a phonetic element. Its earliest meanings centered on the appearance or configuration of a dog, but this quickly generalized to indicate the form, shape, or external state of any object or situation. Over time, the semantic range of the character expanded beyond physical description to denote abstract conditions or circumstances, as in terms like "状态" for state or status. Furthermore, it acquired a specific administrative and legal function, coming to signify formal documents such as certificates, reports, or written complaints, exemplified in words like "奖状" for certificate or "状子" for legal petition. This progression from a concrete representational meaning to broader abstract and bureaucratic applications illustrates the character's adaptive journey within the Chinese lexicon, while its structural composition remains evident in the traditional form.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他的状态很好。
这个形状很特别。
我们需要了解状况。
她病了，状况不佳。
医生检查了他的症状。
公司目前的状况很复杂。
他们描述了事故的详细状况。
根据合同条款，违约方需承担相应责任状。