释

釋

shì

釆 + 𠬤

Definitions

shì (verb) to explain; to interpret

shì (verb) to release; to free

shì (noun) Buddhism

Etymology

Simplified form of 釋. Phonosemantic compound. 釆 represents the meaning and 𠬤 represents the sound.

Semantic: 釆 Phonetic: 睪

About

释 is the simplified form of 釋, a phono-semantic compound: 釆 (written 采 in the simplified character) suggests the meaning, while 𠬤 (a reduction of 睪) gives the sound. Its core sense involves physically untying, releasing, or letting go, freeing a person or object from restraints or captivity. This concrete image then extends metaphorically to the intellectual realm, where the character means explaining complex ideas, interpreting texts, resolving misunderstandings, and officially discharging prisoners.

Etymology Hide

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我来解释这个问题。

Wǒ lái jiěshì zhège wèntí.

I will explain this problem.

他终于释怀了。

Tā zhōngyú shìhuái le.

He finally let go of his worries.

警方释放了嫌疑人。

Jǐngfāng shìfàng le xiányírén.

The police released the suspect.

这本书阐释了哲学思想。

Zhè běn shū chǎnshì le zhéxué sīxiǎng.

This book expounds philosophical ideas.

科学家试图解释这个现象。

Kēxuéjiā shìtú jiěshì zhège xiànxiàng.

Scientists are trying to explain this phenomenon.

经过调解，双方终于释疑了。

Jīngguò tiáojiě, shuāngfāng zhōngyú shìyí le.

After mediation, both parties finally cleared up their doubts.

在报告中，他详细阐释了数据的含义。

Zài bàogào zhōng, tā xiángxì chǎnshì le shùjù de hányì.

In the report, he explained the meaning of the data in detail.

通过对历史文献的释读，我们理解了古代社会的结构。

Tōngguò duì lìshǐ wénxiàn de shìdú, wǒmen lǐjiě le gǔdài shèhuì de jiégòu.

Through the deciphering of historical documents, we understood the structure of ancient society.

Related Characters

Component: 釆

Component: 𠬤

释