轼

軾

shì

式 + 车

Definitions

shì (literary) handrail at the front of a carriage or chariot; to bow while leaning on this handrail as a gesture of respect

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 车 represents the meaning and 式 represents the sound. Simplified form of 軾.

Semantic: 车 Phonetic: 式

About

轼 is a phono-semantic compound. Its left component, the semantic radical 车, links it to carts and transportation, while the right component, 式, provides its pronunciation. The traditional form 軾 retains the unsimplified radical 車 with the same phonetic element. The character refers to a specific part: the horizontal wooden crossbar at the front of an ancient Chinese chariot or carriage. This bar served as a handrail or armrest that passengers or drivers would lean on when bowing to show respect, connecting this structural detail to both carriage design and formal social etiquette.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

苏轼是著名的文学家。

Sū Shì shì zhùmíng de wénxué jiā.

Su Shi is a famous literary figure.

我们学习了苏轼的生平。

Wǒmen xuéxí le Sū Shì de shēngpíng.

We studied Su Shi's life.

这首诗是苏轼写的。

Zhè shǒu shī shì Sū Shì xiě de.

This poem was written by Su Shi.

苏轼的诗歌影响了很多后人。

Sū Shì de shīgē yǐngxiǎng le hěnduō hòurén.

Su Shi's poetry has influenced many later generations.

虽然苏轼一生坎坷，但他乐观豁达。

Suīrán Sū Shì yīshēng kǎnkě, dàn tā lèguān huòdá.

Although Su Shi's life was rough, he was optimistic and open-minded.

当我们读苏轼的作品时，总能感受到他的豪放与深情。

Dāng wǒmen dú Sū Shì de zuòpǐn shí, zǒng néng gǎnshòu dào tā de háofàng yǔ shēnqíng.

When we read Su Shi's works, we can always feel his boldness and deep emotion.

在宋代文学史上，苏轼的地位无可替代。

Zài Sòngdài wénxué shǐ shàng, Sū Shì de dìwèi wú kě tìdài.

In the history of Song Dynasty literature, Su Shi's position is irreplaceable.

苏轼的‘轼’字，原指古代车上的横木，后来成为他的名字。

Sū Shì de ‘shì’ zì, yuán zhǐ gǔdài chē shàng de héngmù, hòulái chéngwéi tā de míngzì.

The character 'Shi' in Su Shi originally referred to the horizontal bar on ancient carriages, and later became part of his name.

Related Characters

Component: 式

Component: 车

轼