About
酬 is a phono-semantic compound and a simplified form of the earlier character 詶. In the simplification, the original semantic component 言 ('speech') was replaced with 酉 ('wine vessel') to directly evoke the drinking-related meaning. Thus, 酉 indicates an association with alcohol and acts of hospitality, while 州 provides the sound (its own meaning, 'province', does not contribute). The character originally referred to a host toasting a guest or pouring wine at a banquet, a practice central to early Chinese hospitality. Over time, this concrete gesture of offering wine in return broadened to the abstract idea of reciprocating any favor, giving rise to the modern senses of reward, compensation, and remuneration.
Example Sentences Hide
我收到了工作报酬。
这份报酬很合理。
他晚上有应酬。
我们酬谢了他的好意。
酬金将通过银行转账。
为了酬劳大家的辛苦，公司组织了旅游。
商场正在开展酬宾促销活动。
根据协议，报酬和酬劳都应当按时支付。
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