About
The character "讨", derived from its traditional form "討", structurally integrates the semantic component 言 (speech) with 寸 (a hand symbolizing action) to convey the idea of verbal pursuit or demand. Initially denoting authoritative actions like demanding justice or launching punitive campaigns, its meaning later expanded to encompass discussion, investigation, and even begging, as evident in compounds such as "讨论" for discussion or "讨饭" for begging. This evolution reflects a gradual shift from concrete, forceful applications to more abstract or varied interpersonal exchanges, while the simplified form retained the core conceptual relationship by reducing the speech element to 讠.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我讨厌下雨天。
大家一起讨论计划。
我想向你讨教一下。
他总是讨好老板。
公司派人去讨债。
在市场讨价还价很正常。
古代国王经常讨伐邻国。
那个乞丐在街上乞讨食物。