Definitions

(verb) to open; to open up; to develop
(noun) king; monarch; ruler
(verb) to avoid; to evade

Etymology

Depicts punishing a kneeling person () with a curved knife ().

About

The character 辟 originates from a composition of three components: 尸 (a person or body), 口 (a mouth), and 辛 (a tool for punishment or branding). Its earliest meanings were closely tied to law, punishment, and the authority of a ruler who established such laws, leading to its use as a term for a sovereign or prince. Over time, it developed multiple pronunciations and diverse definitions. As a verb, it can mean to open up, develop, or refute. It also serves as an interchangeable variant for 避, meaning to avoid or evade. Depending on context and pronunciation, it can denote the opening of new territories, the banishing of evil spirits, or the scholarly refutation of a rumor, showcasing its versatile linguistic evolution.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Warring States (475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
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)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他开了新花园。

Tā kāipì le xīn huāyuán.

He opened up a new garden.

这个分析很精

Zhège fēnxī hěn jīngpì.

This analysis is very incisive.

媒体及时谣了。

Méitǐ jíshí pìyáo le.

The media refuted rumors in time.

佩戴玉器可以邪。

Pèidài yùqì kěyǐ bìxié.

Wearing jade can ward off evil spirits.

谷是一种养生方法。

Bìgǔ shì yī zhǒng yǎngshēng fāngfǎ.

Abstaining from grains is a health preservation method.

学校设了新的课程。

Xuéxiào pìshè le xīn de kèchéng.

The school set up new courses.

改革旨在除陈旧观念。

Gǎigé zhǐ zài pìchú chénjiù guānniàn.

The reform aims to eliminate outdated concepts.

这家公司正开国际市场以扩大业务。

Zhè jiā gōngsī zhèng kāipì guójì shìchǎng yǐ kuòdà yèwù.

This company is opening up international markets to expand its business.