Definitions

sacrifice

Etymology

About

The character 軷 combines the semantic radical 車 (cart or vehicle) on the left with the phonetic component 犮 on the right. It denotes an ancient ceremonial sacrifice performed before a significant journey to seek protection for travelers and their vehicles. By pairing the vehicle radical with this ritual meaning, the character connects the physical act of travel with the spiritual practice of ensuring safe passage.

Etymology Hide

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