Definitions
same as Fuxi 伏羲[fú xī], a mythical emperor; surname Xi
Etymology
Depicts a weapon (我) slaughtering a pig for the purpose of sacrificing an animal for offering. The 我 component was later reanalyzed into phonetic component 義 and the component depicting the slaughtered pig was later reanalyzed as meaning component 兮. Based on the original meaning "sacrificial slaughter", now written as 犧. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.
About
The character "羲" derives from an etymological construction where the component "羊" typically associated with positive attributes like auspiciousness or sacrifice combines with "我", potentially serving a phonetic function, to form a character initially linked to ritual significance or benevolent concepts. Its meaning gradually transitioned from these early connotations to become almost exclusively tied to mythological and historical figures, most prominently Fuxi, the legendary emperor in Chinese tradition, as well as appearing in classical terms such as "羲和" referencing solar mythology. The character's intricate structure, maintained without simplification, features a stable composition that has preserved its form over centuries, reflecting its specialized but enduring presence within cultural and literary domains.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
伏羲是中国古代的神话人物。
王羲之的书法非常著名。
他的名字里有一个羲字。
羲和是古代传说中的太阳神。
伏羲和女娲创造了人类。
王羲之的《兰亭序》被誉为天下第一行书。
在古代文化中，伏羲被视为人文始祖。
研究伏羲的神话有助于理解中华文明的起源。