Definitions

(verb) lodge; stay overnight
(adjective) old; former
xiǔ (noun) night
xiù (noun) constellation

Etymology

Depicts a person () sleeping on a bamboo mat () under a roof ().

About

The character "宿" is structured with the roof radical "宀" positioned above the component "佰", and it originally conveyed the specific action of lodging or staying overnight. This composition aligns with the idea of a person beneath a shelter, where "佰" likely functioned as a phonetic indicator. Its meaning broadened from denoting temporary residence to include concepts of longevity and prior experience, such as in "宿将" for a seasoned commander or "宿疾" for a chronic illness. In astronomical context, the character was adopted to name the celestial lodgings known as constellations, reflecting an extended sense of fixed abode. The semantic development thus progressed from a transient physical act to encompass associated ideas of antiquity and designated positions.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我住在学校的宿舍。

Wǒ zhù zài xuéxiào de sùshè.

I live in the school dormitory.

旅行时找到好的住宿很重要。

Lǚxíng shí zhǎodào hǎo de zhùsù hěn zhòngyào.

When traveling, finding good accommodation is important.

实现宿愿是他最大的梦想。

Shíxiàn sùyuàn shì tā zuì dà de mèngxiǎng.

Realizing his long-cherished wish is his biggest dream.

他因为宿醉而无法上班。

Tā yīnwèi sùzuì ér wúfǎ shàngbān.

He couldn't go to work because of a hangover.

这两个家族是多年的宿敌。

Zhè liǎng gè jiāzú shì duō nián de sùdí.

These two families have been enemies for many years.

宿命论认为一切早已注定。

Sùmìng lùn rènwéi yīqiè zǎo yǐ zhùdìng.

Fatalism believes that everything is predestined.

他们在森林里宿营了一周。

Tāmen zài sēnlín lǐ sùyíngle yī zhōu.

They camped in the forest for a week.

这种宿疾需要耐心治疗。

Zhè zhǒng sùjí xūyào nàixīn zhìliáo.

This chronic illness requires patient treatment.