Definitions

(verb) to join closely together; to bind; to conclude
(noun) connection; knot

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

(traditional ) is a phono-semantic compound: the silk radical ( in traditional form) suggests the meaning, while indicates the sound. The original meaning is to tie knots, bind, or interweave threads. Through metaphorical extension, this physical act of tying came to signify establishing bonds or concluding agreements between parties. In modern Chinese, it mainly refers to creating alliances, treaties, and formal relationships like marriage or diplomacy, thus carrying the tangible act of knotting silk into the abstract realm of social and political connections.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

两国结了条约。

Liǎng guó dìjié le tiáoyuē.

Two countries concluded a treaty.

我们造了新时代。

Wǒmen dìzào le xīn shídài.

We created a new era.

公司交了新伙伴。

Gōngsī dìjiāo le xīn huǒbàn.

The company established new partnerships.

双方结了和平协议。

Shuāngfāng dìjié le hépíng xiéyì.

Both sides concluded a peace agreement.

他们在会议上结了合作。

Tāmen zài huìyì shàng dìjié le hézuò.

They established cooperation at the meeting.

为了共同发展,我们结了联盟。

Wèile gòngtóng fāzhǎn, wǒmen dìjié le liánméng.

For common development, we formed an alliance.

这个组织是由他们造的。

Zhège zǔzhī shì yóu tāmen dìzào de.

This organization was founded by them.

在历史的关键时刻,他们造了不朽的功绩。

Zài lìshǐ de guānjiàn shíkè, tāmen dìzào le bùxiǔ de gōngjì.

At the critical moment in history, they created immortal achievements.