羁

羈/覊

jī

罒 + 革 + 马

Definitions

jī bridle; halter; to restrain; to detain; to lodge; inn

jī variant of 羈|羁[jī]

Etymology

A leather 革 halter used to control 罒a horse 马

About

The character 羁 (jī), with its traditional form 羈, is a complex compound depicting the restraint of a horse. Its structure combines the net radical 罒/网 (wǎng) at the top, the leather component 革 (gé) in the middle, and the horse radical 马/馬 (mǎ) at the bottom, forming a vivid image of a leather halter used to control a horse. From this literal meaning of a harness, the character extended metaphorically to mean detaining or restraining a person,束缚 their freedom, or being tied down by duties and travel.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

离家多年，心中仍有羁绊。

Lí jiā duō nián, xīnzhōng réng yǒu jībàn.

After being away from home for many years, there are still emotional ties in my heart.

这段友谊是我们最珍贵的羁绊。

Zhè duàn yǒuyì shì wǒmen zuì zhēnguì de jībàn.

This friendship is our most precious bond.

长期的羁旅生活让他感到疲惫。

Chángqī de jīlǚ shēnghuó ràng tā gǎndào píbèi.

The long-term life of travel and lodging made him feel weary.

他被繁琐的事务所羁绊，无法脱身。

Tā bèi fánsuǒ de shìwù suǒ jībàn, wúfǎ tuōshēn.

He was entangled by繁琐的事务 and couldn't get away.

诗人用文字抒发内心的不羁灵魂。

Shīrén yòng wénzì shūfā nèixīn de bùjī línghún.

The poet uses words to express his untamed soul within.

他渴望摆脱一切羁束，自由地生活。

Tā kěwàng bǎituō yīqiè jīshù, zìyóu de shēnghuó.

He longs to break free from all restraints and live freely.

古代王朝常用羁縻政策治理边远地区。

Gǔdài wángcháo cháng yòng jīmí zhèngcè zhìlǐ biānyuǎn dìqū.

Ancient dynasties often used the policy of loose rein to govern remote areas.

那是一种复杂的情感羁绊，既想靠近又想逃离。

Nà shì yī zhǒng fùzá de qínggǎn jībàn, jì xiǎng kàojìn yòu xiǎng táolí.

It was a complex emotional entanglement, wanting both to get closer and to escape.

Related Characters

Component: 罒

Component: 革

Component: 马

羁