介

jiè

丨 + 丿 + 人

Definitions

jiè (preposition,verb) between; to lie between

jiè (verb) to introduce

jiè (noun) armor; shell

Etymology

Depicts a person between two lines.

About

介 (jiè) originated as a pictograph of a person between two lines, representing an interposed protective layer. Its early meanings included the scales and shells of animals and the armor worn by warriors. Because armor lies between the body and harm, the character shifted to signify "between" or "intermediate". This spatial notion then extended into the social sphere, leading to modern usages such as introducing individuals or mediating disputes.

Etymology Hide

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

请介绍你自己。

Qǐng jièshào nǐ zìjǐ.

Please introduce yourself.

他向我介绍了他的家庭。

Tā xiàng wǒ jièshào le tā de jiātíng.

He introduced his family to me.

我不介意你的选择。

Wǒ bù jièyì nǐ de xuǎnzé.

I don't mind your choice.

政府介入解决了问题。

Zhèngfǔ jièrù jiějué le wèntí.

The government intervened and solved the problem.

空气是声音的介质。

Kōngqì shì shēngyīn de jièzhì.

Air is the medium for sound.

他的成绩介乎优秀与良好之间。

Tā de chéngjī jièhū yōuxiù yǔ liánghǎo zhī jiān.

His grade is between excellent and good.

在会议上，他详细介绍了新项目。

Zài huìyì shàng, tā xiángxì jièshào le xīn xiàngmù.

At the meeting, he introduced the new project in detail.

这种材料具有很好的介电性能。

Zhè zhǒng cáiliào jùyǒu hěn hǎo de jièdiàn xìngnéng.

This material has good dielectric properties.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 丨

Component: 丿

Component: 人

介