Definitions
Etymology
Depicts a person (卩) using a pestle (午). 午 also represents the sound. The 辵 (walk) component was later added to emphasize action. Based on the original meaning, “to use, to control”. The meaning later shifted to “to govern”. In simplified Chinese 御 is also used to mean "to resist", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with a separate character 禦.
About
The character 御 features the semantic component 彳 (related to walking) and a right side historically derived from components associated with horse control. Its original meaning was to drive a horse or chariot, a vital skill in early military and transportation. From this specific action, the meaning extended to general management, control, or governance of people and affairs. As this ultimate authority belonged to the emperor, the character also came to denote anything imperial, such as decrees or royal usage. In military contexts, it further developed a usage meaning to defend or resist.
Example Sentences Hide
这件衣服能御寒。
我们需要防御敌人。
御用厨师做了晚餐。
皇帝御驾亲征。
御膳房的食物很美味。
他学会了御风而行。
御前会议讨论了国家大事。
这种材料具有强大的防御能力。