About
The character "腥" is structured as a phono-semantic compound with the semantic component "月", derived from "肉" and indicating flesh or meat, combined with the phonetic component "星" which suggests its pronunciation. Etymologically, this character originally referred specifically to the raw, pungent smell associated with meat or fish. Over time, its meaning expanded from describing literal offensive odors to encompassing metaphorical senses of corruption or repugnance, as seen in compounds denoting bloody or unsavory conditions. This semantic shift occurred while the character's compositional form, integrating the flesh radical with its phonetic element, continued to be employed in writing.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这条鱼有点腥。
他不喜欢腥的食物。
厨房里充满了腥味。
腥气从海边飘来。
清洗后腥味减轻了。
这场面太血腥了。
腥臭的气味让人作呕。
去除腥味需要一些技巧。