Definitions

ruì (adjective) auspicious; lucky; propitious

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

Originating from the concept of jade tokens used in ancient ceremonial contexts, the character "瑞" is structured with the jade radical "王" and the component "耑" which primarily provides phonetic value. Its initial meaning referring to these concrete ritual objects gradually broadened to include abstract notions of auspiciousness, leading to its contemporary use for denoting propitious signs or general good fortune. This semantic expansion moved the character's application from specific symbols of authority to wider concepts of favorable omens and blessings.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Wu (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

士是一个美丽的国家。

Ruìshì shì yīgè měilì de guójiā.

Switzerland is a beautiful country.

丽是云南的一个城市。

Ruìlì shì Yúnnán de yīgè chéngshì.

Ruili is a city in Yunnan.

我朋友住在浙江安。

Wǒ péngyǒu zhù zài Zhèjiāng Ruì'ān.

My friend lives in Rui'an, Zhejiang.

昨晚下了一场雪。

Zuó wǎn xiàle yī chǎng ruì xuě.

Last night, there was an auspicious snow.

房间里充满了气。

Fángjiān lǐ chōngmǎnle ruì qì.

The room is filled with auspicious air.

龙是中国古代的兽。

Lóng shì Zhōngguó gǔdài de ruì shòu.

The dragon is an auspicious beast in ancient China.

彩虹被认为是兆。

Cǎihóng bèi rènwéi shì ruì zhào.

The rainbow is considered an auspicious sign.

金是红色旅游的重要地点。

Ruìjīn shì hóngsè lǚyóu de zhòngyào dìdiǎn.

Ruijin is an important site for red tourism.