积

積

jī

只 + 禾

HSK 3.0Level 7

Definitions

jī (verb) to accumulate; to amass; to store

jī (noun) product (result of multiplication)

jī (verb) to integrate (mathematics)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 禾 represents the meaning and 只 represents the sound. Simplified form of 積.

Semantic: 禾 Phonetic: 只

About

积 (jī) is a phono-semantic compound and the simplified form of 積. The traditional character pairs the semantic component 禾 (grain) with the phonetic 責 (zé), originally referring to the amassing or stockpiling of grain after harvest. Its simplified counterpart retains 禾 for meaning and replaces the phonetic with 只 (zhǐ) to indicate the sound. Over time, the meaning broadened to signify the accumulation or gathering of objects, abstract concepts, or experiences over a long period.

Etymology Hide

Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)

Bronze Warring States (475-221 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal Xin dynasty (9-23 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他学习很积极。

Tā xuéxí hěn jījī.

He studies very actively.

她积累了丰富的知识。

Tā jīlěi le fēngfù de zhīshì.

She has accumulated rich knowledge.

我的积分增加了。

Wǒ de jīfēn zēngjiā le.

My points have increased.

这个箱子的体积很大。

Zhège xiāngzi de tǐjī hěn dà.

The volume of this box is very large.

桌子上堆积了很多文件。

Zhuōzi shàng duījī le hěn duō wénjiàn.

Many documents are piled up on the table.

他对工作总是持积极态度。

Tā duì gōngzuò zǒng shì chí jījī tàidù.

He always maintains a positive attitude towards work.

通过不断学习，他积累了广泛的经验。

Tōngguò bùduàn xuéxí, tā jīlěi le guǎngfàn de jīngyàn.

Through continuous learning, he has accumulated extensive experience.

长期积怨可能导致关系破裂。

Chángqī jīyuàn kěnéng dǎozhì guānxì pòliè.

Long-term accumulated resentment may lead to relationship breakdown.

Related Characters

Component: 只

Component: 禾

积