About
The character 眦 (traditional form 眥) is a phono-semantic compound denoting a part of the eye. Its structure combines the semantic radical 目 (eye) on the left, indicating its anatomical category, with the phonetic component 此 (cǐ) on the right, which supplies its pronunciation. The term specifically refers to the canthus, the inner or outer corner where the eyelids meet. In classical literature and idioms, it is often used to depict intense facial expressions, such as glaring fiercely in anger or concentration, highlighting the physical tension of the eyelids.
Etymology Hide
