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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "轼", traditionally written as "軾", finds its origin in the horizontal handrail mounted on the front of ancient chariots, a design feature providing stability for passengers. Its structure is a phono-semantic compound, combining the radical "车", which signifies its relation to vehicles, with the component "式", primarily indicating its phonetic value. While the term initially referred strictly to this functional part of a carriage, its meaning expanded in classical usage to encompass a ceremonial gesture, as leaning forward to grasp the "轼" became a conventional symbol of respect or attentive observation in historical narratives. Over time, the character's practical application diminished alongside the chariot itself, leaving it largely preserved in literary and historical contexts, where it occasionally appears as a surname, with its simplified form retaining the essential semantic and phonetic relationships of the traditional construction.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

是著名的文学家。

Sū Shì shì zhùmíng de wénxué jiā.

Su Shi is a famous literary figure.

我们学习了苏的生平。

Wǒmen xuéxí le Sū Shì de shēngpíng.

We studied Su Shi's life.

这首诗是苏写的。

Zhè shǒu shī shì Sū Shì xiě de.

This poem was written by Su Shi.

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.

的‘’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.