Definitions

xián (verb) to dislike; to disapprove of
xián (noun) suspicion; resentment

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

嫌 is a phono-semantic compound with the female radical 女 on the left, historically associated with words for human emotions and relationships, and 兼 on the right as the phonetic component. Its core meaning centers on negative interpersonal feelings, conveying dislike, suspicion, resentment, or holding a grudge. This covers both actively feeling annoyed or dissatisfied and passively being the object of suspicion or ill will within a social context.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这里太吵。

Wǒ xián zhèlǐ tài chǎo.

I find this place too noisy.

她很弃这件旧衣服。

Tā hěn xiánqì zhè jiàn jiù yīfu.

She really dislikes this old piece of clothing.

贵的话就别买了。

Nǐ xián guì dehuà jiù bié mǎi le.

If you think it's too expensive, then don't buy it.

大家都他说话太啰嗦。

Dàjiā dōu xián tā shuōhuà tài luōsuō.

Everyone finds him too long-winded when he speaks.

他涉参与了这次非法活动。

Tā shèxián cānyù le zhè cì fēifǎ huódòng.

He is suspected of being involved in this illegal activity.

我丝毫不弃你的家庭背景。

Wǒ sīháo bù xiánqì nǐ de jiātíng bèijǐng.

I don't dislike your family background in the slightest.

千万别让他弃你不够真诚。

Qiānwàn bié ràng tā xiánqì nǐ bùgòu zhēnchéng.

Be careful not to let him think you are not sincere enough.

他因涉贪污而被警方调查。

Tā yīn shèxián tānwū ér bèi jǐngfāng diàochá.

He is under police investigation for suspicion of embezzlement.