Definitions

(literary) fine jade

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 琦 is structured as a phono-semantic compound, combining the semantic component 王, which denotes jade or precious stone, with the phonetic component 奇 to indicate its pronunciation. Etymologically, it initially referred specifically to a type of fine jade. Its meaning later extended to describe anything rare, valuable, or of exceptional quality, which is why it became commonly employed in personal names and classical texts to convey notions of excellence and admiration.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

今天来了。

Wáng Qí jīntiān lái le.

Wang Qi came today.

在学校读书。

Lǐ Qí zài xuéxiào dúshū.

Li Qi studies at school.

喜欢打篮球。

Zhāng Qí xǐhuan dǎ lánqiú.

Zhang Qi likes playing basketball.

是我的同学。

Zhào Qí shì wǒ de tóngxué.

Zhao Qi is my classmate.

这块玉石非常丽。

Zhè kuài yùshí fēicháng qílì.

This piece of jade is very beautiful and rare.

他的才华玮出众。

Tā de cáihuá qíwěi chūzhòng.

His talent is rare and outstanding.

博物馆收藏了许多宝。

Bówùguǎn shōucáng le xǔduō qíbǎo.

The museum has collected many rare treasures.

在历史上,玉常被用作礼器。

Zài lìshǐ shàng, qíyù cháng bèi yòng zuò lǐqì.

In history, rare jade was often used as ritual vessels.