About
The character "息" is structurally composed of "自", originally indicative of the nose, and "心", representing the heart, combining to convey the concept of breath as a vital function linking respiration and vitality. Its primary etymological sense centered on breathing and the air taken in or expelled, which naturally extended to denote resting as an act of catching one's breath. From this core meaning, the character acquired additional layers, such as ceasing or stopping, analogous to the pause in breath, and later came to signify growth or increase, as seen in the context of financial interest where money accrues. Further semantic development led to its use in terms like "消息" for news, implying the flow of information as breath circulates. Throughout its history, the character's form has remained consistent, while its applications have diversified across various contexts.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我需要休息一下。
这个消息很重要。
银行利息很高。
他深深地叹息。
信息时代来了。
我们作息要规律。
他的气息很微弱。
经过努力，矛盾终于平息了。