Definitions

jié (bound form) to question closely; to interrogate

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 诘, whose traditional form is 詰, combines the semantic component 言 (speech) with the phonetic component 吉 (jié), indicating its inherent connection to verbal inquiry through both meaning and sound. Originally denoting the act of interrogation or close questioning, this meaning has continued as the character's primary sense, evident in modern compounds such as 诘问 (interrogate) and 反诘 (retort). The simplified form 诘 alters the semantic element to 讠 while keeping the phonetic 吉, and though the character's usage has occasionally broadened to include general examination or scrutiny, its core association with formal questioning remains consistent.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他反复问对方。

Tā fǎnfù jiéwèn duìfāng.

He repeatedly questioned the other party.

老师问学生的答案。

Lǎoshī jiéwèn xuéshēng de dá'àn.

The teacher questioned the student's answer.

记者不断问官员关于事件。

Jìzhě bùduàn jiéwèn guānyuán guānyú shìjiàn.

The reporter continuously questioned the official about the incident.

会议上他尖锐地问提案。

Huìyì shàng tā jiānruì de jiéwèn tí'àn.

At the meeting, he sharply questioned the proposal.

在严厉的问下,他终于承认错误。

Zài yánlì de jiéwèn xià, tā zhōngyú chéngrèn cuòwù.

Under severe questioning, he finally admitted the mistake.

她面对一连串的问却保持冷静。

Tā miànduì yīliánchuàn de jiéwèn què bǎochí lěngjìng.

She faced a series of questions but remained calm.

律师在法庭上盘证人。

Lǜshī zài fǎtíng shàng pánjié zhèngrén.

The lawyer cross-examined the witness in court.

哲学家的问深入真理的本质。

Zhéxuéjiā de jiéwèn shēnrù zhēnlǐ de běnzhì.

The philosopher's questioning delves into the nature of truth.