Definitions
(noun)
class; rank; grade
(adjective)
equal to; same as
(verb)
to wait for; to await
(particle)
et cetera; and so on
Etymology
Two horizontal strokes, representing the number two.
About
The character 等, composed of the bamboo radical 竹 above the component 寺, derives from ancient administrative practices involving bamboo slips, where its initial function conveyed the action of arranging or classifying these records into orderly sequences. This structural origin informed its early meanings related to hierarchy and grade, gradually broadening to denote equality among items of the same category. Over time, its semantic scope extended to include the sense of "and so forth" or "et cetera", representing an implied continuation of listed items, while also developing the verbal usage "to wait", possibly influenced by the notion of awaiting one's position within an ordered system. The character has maintained this consistent form without a distinct traditional variant that was later simplified.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
请等我一下
我们在等朋友
他等了三小时
等等别着急
我需要笔纸等等
耐心等待机会
如果你等不及可以先离开
这些产品分为三个等级