Definitions

(noun) stem; stalk (of fruit or flower)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "蒂" is a phono-semantic compound integrating the grass radical "艹" with the phonetic component "帝", which provides its sound and suggests a connection to plant life. Etymologically, it originated to denote the calyx or the persistent base of a flower or fruit, specifically the part that remains attached to the stem after picking. This botanical sense has been maintained throughout its usage, referring consistently to the stem end of various plants. Over time, the character has also acquired extended metaphorical meanings, such as representing the foundational origin or core of something in certain lexical compounds, reflecting a conceptual shift from physical attachment to abstract basis. Structurally, the character has preserved its composition without alteration, with its components continuing to clearly signal its semantic domain and auditory value.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

苹果的掉了。

Píngguǒ de dì diào le.

The apple's stem fell off.

西瓜的很结实。

Xīguā de dì hěn jiēshi.

The watermelon's stem is very sturdy.

请把香蕉的去掉。

Qǐng bǎ xiāngjiāo de dì qùdiào.

Please remove the banana's stem.

娜是我的好朋友。

Dìnà shì wǒ de hǎo péngyǒu.

Tina is my good friend.

通常有点苦。

Guādì tōngcháng yǒudiǎn kǔ.

The melon stem is usually a bit bitter.

他们消除了彼此的芥

Tāmen xiāochú le bǐcǐ de jièdì.

They eliminated the grudges between each other.

莲花开得很美。

Bìngdì liánhuā kāi de hěn měi.

The twin lotus flowers bloom beautifully.

芙尼的首饰很昂贵。

Dìfúní de shǒushì hěn ángguì.

Tiffany's jewelry is very expensive.