Definitions

(verb) to avoid; to abstain from
(verb) to fear; to dread
(verb) to be jealous of

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "忌" is structurally composed of "己", representing the self, and "心", signifying the heart, which together initially conveyed the inward emotion of jealousy or envy. From this core meaning, the term gradually acquired additional layers, extending to concepts of dread or apprehension, and further evolving to denote avoidance and abstinence, particularly in the context of social taboos or ceremonial prohibitions. This semantic expansion reflects a transition from a personal sentiment to a more generalized notion of caution and restraint, influenced by changing cultural practices and linguistic usage over time.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 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 Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

吃药后喝酒。

Chī yào hòu jì hē jiǔ.

After taking medicine, avoid drinking alcohol.

口很多食物。

Tā jìkǒu hěn duō shíwù.

He avoids many foods due to dietary restrictions.

病人讳生冷食物。

Bìngrén jìhuì shēng lěng shíwù.

Patients should avoid raw and cold foods as a taboo.

妒朋友的成就。

Tā jìdù péngyou de chéngjiù.

She is jealous of her friend's achievement.

他们惮他的权威。

Tāmen jìdàn tā de quánwēi.

They dread his authority.

在公共场合大声喧哗。

Zài gōnggòng chǎnghé jì dàshēng xuānhuá.

Avoid loud noises in public places.

糖尿病患者食高糖食品。

Tángniàobìng huànzhě jì shí gāo táng shípǐn.

Diabetics should avoid high-sugar foods.

他毫无惮地表达了自己的观点。

Tā háo wú jìdàn de biǎodá le zìjǐ de guāndiǎn.

He expressed his opinion without any fear.