Definitions
(particle)
(exclamatory or interrogative particle)
Etymology phono-semantic
mouth
Semantic:
口
About
The character "哉" is a traditional form that has not been simplified. Its structure is composed of the component 口 (mouth) positioned above the component 戈 (a type of halberd or spear), with an additional 口 embedded within 戈. Originally, this character served as a phonetic loan, borrowed for its sound to represent an exclamatory final particle, a primary function it retains in classical Chinese. Over time, its usage extended from this core grammatical role as an exclamation marker to also occasionally signify the beginning of an action, though this latter meaning is less common. The character's construction, combining a element related to speech with one associated with weaponry, does not directly illustrate its grammatical meaning, as its form was settled primarily for phonetic reasons rather than semantic ones.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
春天真的美丽哉！
这朵花非常香哉！
你为何独自来哉？
完成此事幸哉！
他的计划成功哉！
这风景岂不壮丽哉？
我们的努力见效哉！
人生之道，何其复杂哉！