Definitions

jǐng to warn; to admonish

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 儆 is a phono-semantic compound, with the semantic radical 亻 (person) on the left and the phonetic component 敬 (jìng) on the right, which originally conveys the idea of respect. Its core meaning is to warn, admonish, or caution against improper or dangerous actions, emphasizing alertness and vigilance. This combination of the human element with the phonetic marker visually and aurally represents the act of delivering a serious interpersonal warning.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern