About
圮 is a phono-semantic compound: the radical 土 (tǔ, 'earth') indicates soil, land, or structures built from earth, while the phonetic 己 (jǐ) supplies the pronunciation and does not contribute the meaning 'self'. The character denotes the collapse, crumbling, or catastrophic destruction of large structures made of earth, stone, or brick, such as bridges, walls, and embankments. It is found primarily in classical literature and historical chronicles, describing ruination caused by natural disasters, erosion, or the passage of time rather than minor or abstract damage.
Etymology Hide
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.