Definitions

(adjective) imperial; royal
(verb) to govern; to control
(verb) to defend; to resist

Etymology

Depicts a person () using a pestle (). also represents the sound. The (walk) component was later added to emphasize action. Based on the original meaning, “to use, to control”. The meaning later shifted to “to govern”. In simplified Chinese is also used to mean "to resist", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with a separate character .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 御 features the semantic component 彳 (related to walking) and a right side historically derived from components associated with horse control. Its original meaning was to drive a horse or chariot, a vital skill in early military and transportation. From this specific action, the meaning extended to general management, control, or governance of people and affairs. As this ultimate authority belonged to the emperor, the character also came to denote anything imperial, such as decrees or royal usage. In military contexts, it further developed a usage meaning to defend or resist.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Warring States (475-221 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 Chu (Warring States: 475-221 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)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
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 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)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这件衣服能寒。

Zhè jiàn yīfu néng yù hán.

This clothing can keep out the cold.

我们需要防敌人。

Wǒmen xūyào fángyù dírén.

We need to defend against the enemy.

用厨师做了晚餐。

Yùyòng chúshī zuòle wǎncān.

The imperial chef made dinner.

皇帝驾亲征。

Huángdì yùjià qīnzhēng.

The emperor personally led the expedition.

膳房的食物很美味。

Yùshànfáng de shíwù hěn měiwèi.

The food from the imperial kitchen is delicious.

他学会了风而行。

Tā xuéhuì le yù fēng ér xíng.

He learned to ride the wind and travel.

前会议讨论了国家大事。

Yùqián huìyì tǎolùn le guójiā dàshì.

The court conference discussed national affairs.

这种材料具有强大的防能力。

Zhè zhǒng cáiliào jùyǒu qiángdà de fángyù nénglì.

This material has strong defensive capabilities.