题

題

tí

是 + 页

HSK 2.0Level 2

HSK 3.0Level 2

Frequency#218

Definitions

tí (noun) topic; subject; title

tí (noun) question; problem; exam question

tí (verb) to inscribe; to mention

Etymology

Simplified form of 題. Phonosemantic compound. 页 represents the meaning and 是 represents the sound. The character is based on the original meaning "forehead". The current meaning is a phonetic loan.

Semantic: 页 Phonetic: 是

About

The character 题, originating from its traditional form 題, is structurally composed of 是 positioned above 頁, where 頁 signifies 'head' and relates to its initial meaning of 'forehead' in classical Chinese. This concrete meaning expanded to include the action 'to inscribe' or 'to label', reflecting the practice of marking on a prominent surface like the forehead or a tablet. Subsequently, the character's usage shifted from physical inscription to denote abstract concepts, leading to its contemporary senses of 'title', 'subject', or 'problem' in various textual and discursive contexts.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个问题很简单。

Zhè gè wèntí hěn jiǎndān.

This problem is very simple.

老师出了新题目。

Lǎoshī chūle xīn tímù.

The teacher gave a new question.

我们今天讨论这个话题。

Wǒmen jīntiān tǎolùn zhè gè huàtí.

We are discussing this topic today.

这本书的主题是爱情。

Zhè běn shū de zhǔtí shì àiqíng.

The theme of this book is love.

他正在做数学习题。

Tā zhèngzài zuò shùxué xítí.

He is doing math exercises.

考试中有一道难题。

Kǎoshì zhōng yǒu yī dào nántí.

There is a difficult problem in the exam.

这个议题需要认真研究。

Zhè gè yìtí xūyào rènzhēn yánjiū.

This issue requires careful study.

记者采访的题材很广泛。

Jìzhě cǎifǎng de tícái hěn guǎngfàn.

The subject matter of the journalist's interview is very broad.

Related Characters

Component: 是

Component: 页

题