Definitions

pōu (verb) to cut open
pōu (verb) to analyze

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "剖" is structured as a phono-semantic compound, integrating the knife radical "刂" with the component "咅" which historically provided phonetic guidance, thus etymologically linking it to the act of cutting or splitting open with a blade. Initially denoting physical division, as in the dissection of materials or bodies, its meaning gradually broadened to encompass metaphorical separation, thereby acquiring abstract senses such as analysis or thorough investigation. This semantic expansion allowed the character to apply equally to concrete procedures and intellectual inquiries, while its compositional form has persisted without alteration, reflecting a continuity in its conceptual foundation tied to the idea of separation.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

医生解了尸体。

Yīshēng jiěpō le shītǐ.

The doctor dissected the corpse.

开了那个西瓜。

Tā pōukāi le nàge xīguā.

He cut open that watermelon.

我们需要析原因。

Wǒmen xūyào pōuxī yuányīn.

We need to analyze the reasons.

腹产是一种手术。

Pōufùchǎn shì yī zhǒng shǒushù.

Cesarean section is a type of surgery.

科学家解青蛙做实验。

Kēxuéjiā jiěpō qīngwā zuò shíyàn.

Scientists dissect frogs for experiments.

他仔细析了事件的经过。

Tā zǐxì pōuxī le shìjiàn de jīngguò.

He carefully analyzed the course of the event.

通过解学,我们了解人体结构。

Tōngguò jiěpōxué, wǒmen liǎojiě réntǐ jiégòu.

Through anatomy, we understand the structure of the human body.

这份报告析了经济危机的深层原因。

Zhè fèn bàogào pōuxī le jīngjì wēijī de shēncéng yuányīn.

This report analyzes the deep-seated reasons for the economic crisis.