Definitions

(noun) mat; seat
(noun) banquet

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

is a phono-semantic compound in which (cloth) at the bottom provides the meaning, and at the top provides the sound. It originally denoted a woven mat of bamboo, reeds, or grass, spread flat on the floor or ground for sitting or sleeping. Because these mats served as seats during gatherings, the word metonymically shifted to mean the seat itself, and subsequently the social event at that seat, banquet, feast, or formal assembly, extending well beyond the original physical mat.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们铺了一张子。

Wǒmen pū le yī zhāng xízi.

We spread out a mat.

他出了会议。

Tā chūxí le huìyì.

He attended the meeting.

上有很多美食。

Yànxí shàng yǒu hěnduō měishí.

There is a lot of delicious food at the banquet.

发表了重要讲话。

Zhǔxí fābiǎo le zhòngyào jiǎnghuà.

The chairman gave an important speech.

这个位是留给客人的。

Zhège xíwèi shì liú gěi kèrén de.

This seat is reserved for guests.

他因故未能出典礼。

Tā yīn gù wèi néng chūxí diǎnlǐ.

He was unable to attend the ceremony due to reasons.

在董事会上,他占据了重要位。

Zài dōngshìhuì shàng, tā zhànjù le zhòngyào xíwèi.

At the board meeting, he occupied an important seat.

这次国际会议的次安排很周密。

Zhè cì guójì huìyì de xícì ānpái hěn zhōumì.

The seating arrangement for this international conference is very thorough.