Definitions

xiè to shorten, to contract; tie, leash

Etymology phono-semantic

thread

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character (traditional ) is a phono-semantic compound combining the semantic radical , which indicates silk or thread, with the phonetic component that suggests pronunciation. It originally denoted a rope or tether for binding animals and prisoners. Its meaning then expanded to encompass the general act of tying, securing, or restraining, and later it acquired metaphorical senses of emotional attachments, worldly burdens, and societal constraints, though its primary literal meaning remains a physical tether.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern