About
触 is the simplified version of the traditional character 觸, which is a phonosemantic compound. The traditional form combines the semantic radical 角, meaning 'horn', with the phonetic element 蜀 (shǔ). This composition directly reflects the original meaning: an animal using its horns to butt, gore, or strike against something. When simplified, the intricate 蜀 was replaced by 虫, a much simpler component. Here, 虫 serves merely as a phonetic shorthand, not as a semantic indicator (its usual meaning is 'insect'). Over the centuries, the meaning broadened from the specific act of butting with horns to any general physical contact, such as touching, contacting, or bumping into things. Later, the character acquired figurative meanings as well: to trigger an emotion, to violate a rule, or to encounter a certain situation.
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Example Sentences Hide
我触摸了小猫。
不要接触热水。
他触动了开关。
这个故事触动了我的心。
接触新事物能增长知识。
触摸屏技术现在很普及。
他的行为触犯了法律。
这项政策触发了社会的广泛讨论。
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