Definitions

tiǎn (verb) to lick; to lap

Etymology phono-semantic

tongue

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "舔" is constructed from the semantic component "舌" meaning tongue, combined with the phonetic and semantic component "忝", which historically conveyed a sense of shame or humility, suggesting an action performed in a servile manner. Its core meaning has consistently been the physical action of licking with the tongue. Over time, this literal sense provided the basis for a metaphorical extension, giving rise to the colloquial meaning of obsequious flattery, as in "舔狗", which draws directly from the imagery of servile behavior implied by the character's composition.

Example Sentences Hide

小狗我的手掌。

Xiǎo gǒu tiǎn wǒ de shǒuzhǎng.

The puppy licks my palm.

孩子着甜筒。

Háizi tiǎnzhe tiántǒng.

The child is licking a cone.

猫经常自己的爪子。

Māo jīngcháng tiǎn zìjǐ de zhuǎzi.

The cat often licks its paws.

干燥的嘴唇。

Tā tiǎnle tiǎn gānzào de zuǐchún.

He licked his dry lips.

请不要你的伤口。

Qǐng bùyào tiǎn nǐ de shāngkǒu.

Please do not lick your wound.

那只熊在蜂蜜。

Nà zhī xióng zài tiǎn fēngmì.

That bear is licking honey.

她用舌头邮票。

Tā yòng shétou tiǎnle tiǎn yóupiào.

She used her tongue to lick the stamp.

谄媚者喜欢上司的鞋子。

Chǎnmèi zhě xǐhuān tiǎn shàngsī de xiézi.

Sycophants like to lick their superiors' shoes.