Definitions

shǐ (verb) to make; to cause; to enable
shǐ (verb) to use; to employ
shǐ (verb) to send; to dispatch
shǐ (noun) envoy; messenger

Etymology

The characters (history), (government official), 使 (cause; use; instruct), and (matter; work; affair) are all etymologically related and all derive from the same ancient character, depicting a hand () holding a container for writing utensils.

About

The character "使" is constructed from the person radical "亻" alongside the component "吏", which relates to an official, a structure that points to its early semantic domain of sending people on official assignments or missions. Its original meaning focused on dispatching or commanding individuals, particularly envoys or messengers, which gradually extended to more abstract senses of causing or making something happen, as well as employing or using things instrumentally. This shift from concrete human agency to generalized causation and utilization maintained the core notion of initiating action while the character's form persisted without alteration over time.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Spring and Autumn (~600 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 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)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal 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)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

学习使我进步。

Xuéxí shǐ wǒ jìnbù.

Studying makes me progress.

使用手机很方便。

Shǐyòng shǒujī hěn fāngbiàn.

Using a mobile phone is very convenient.

使我感到惊讶。

Tā shǐ wǒ gǎndào jīngyà.

He makes me feel surprised.

运动能使身体健康。

Yùndòng néng shǐ shēntǐ jiànkāng.

Exercise can make the body healthy.

恶劣天气使航班延误。

Èliè tiānqì shǐ hángbān yánwù.

Bad weather causes flight delays.

良好的教育能使孩子未来成功。

Liánghǎo de jiàoyù néng shǐ házi wèilái chénggōng.

Good education can make children successful in the future.

政府的新政策使经济发展加速。

Zhèngfǔ de xīn zhèngcè shǐ jīngjì fāzhǎn jiāsù.

The government's new policy accelerates economic development.

如果缺乏沟通,会使双方产生误会。

Rúguǒ quēfá gōutōng, huì shǐ shuāngfāng chǎnshēng wùhuì.

If there is a lack of communication, it will cause misunderstandings between both parties.