Definitions

suí (verb) to follow; to comply with
suí (adverb) according to; varying with

Etymology

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

About

The character "随" in its traditional form is "隨", which structurally combines the phonetic component "隋" with the radical "辵", commonly associated with movement or walking. This construction clearly points to its original core meaning of physically following behind someone or something, a sense of movement in accordance with another. Over time, this concrete notion of physical adherence expanded into more abstract applications, encompassing compliance with instructions, conformity to customs, or allowing circumstances to unfold naturally. The character thus developed a range of uses implying accompaniment, dependence, and a sense of "going along with" something, whether it be a person, a rule, or a situation, as seen in terms like "跟随" (to follow) and "随意" (as one pleases).

Etymology Hide

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

便吃点东西。

Wǒ suíbiàn chī diǎn dōngxi.

I will eat something casually.

你可以时来找我。

Nǐ kěyǐ suíshí lái zhǎo wǒ.

You can come to find me anytime.

身携带身份证。

Qǐng suíshēn xiédài shēnfènzhèng.

Please carry your ID card with you.

气温季节变化。

Qìwēn suí jìjié biànhuà.

The temperature varies with the seasons.

他的心情天气而改变。

Tā de xīnqíng suí tiānqì ér gǎibiàn.

His mood changes with the weather.

着时间过去,我长大了。

Suízhe shíjiān guòqù, wǒ zhǎng dà le.

As time passed, I grew up.

着科技的发展,我们的生活越来越方便。

Suízhe kējì de fāzhǎn, wǒmen de shēnghuó yuè lái yuè fāngbiàn.

With the development of technology, our lives become more and more convenient.

着全球化的推进,文化交流日益频繁。

Suízhe quánqiúhuà de tuījìn, wénhuà jiāoliú rìyì pínfán.

With the advancement of globalization, cultural exchanges are becoming increasingly frequent.