Definitions

(verb) to practice; to study
(noun) habit; custom

Etymology

Simplified form of . Phonosemantic compound. represents the sound and represents the meaning. Based on the original meaning "to scorch". The current meaning is a phonetic loan. The traditional component was removed for simplification.

About

The character "习" originates from the traditional form "習", which is composed of "羽" representing feathers and "白" often associated with daylight or a simplified element, initially conveying the image of a bird repeatedly practicing flight. This structure provided the early meaning of to practice or drill, which over time extended to encompass learning, reviewing, and becoming accustomed to something, leading to its modern usage denoting study, habit, or custom. The simplified form "习" was derived by retaining a stylized portion of the "羽" component, resulting in a character that visually references its traditional counterpart while being reduced in complexity.

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 Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (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)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我学中文。

Wǒ xuéxí zhōngwén.

I study Chinese.

他练跑步。

Tā liànxí pǎobù.

He practices running.

惯早起。

Tā xíguàn zǎo qǐ.

She is used to waking up early.

我们复功课。

Wǒmen fùxí gōngkè.

We review our lessons.

小明学很努力。

Xiǎo Míng xuéxí hěn nǔlì.

Xiao Ming studies very hard.

每天练钢琴是她的惯。

Měi tiān liànxí gāngqín shì tā de xíguàn.

Practicing piano daily is her habit.

通过学,他获得了新技能。

Tōngguò xuéxí, tā huòdé le xīn jìnéng.

Through study, he acquired new skills.

养成良好的惯对健康很重要。

Yǎngchéng liánghǎo de xíguàn duì jiànkāng hěn zhòngyào.

Developing good habits is important for health.