Definitions

(verb) to comprehend; to understand; to become aware

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "悟" originates from a phono-semantic construction, integrating the heart-mind radical (忄) with the phonetic component "吾", meaning "I" or "self", to conceptually embody an awakening within one's own consciousness. Initially employed in classical texts, it specifically denoted a spiritual or philosophical realization, often associated with Buddhist enlightenment, reflecting a moment of penetrating insight into fundamental truths. Over time, its semantic scope expanded beyond religious contexts to encompass more general instances of sudden comprehension or clarity in ordinary understanding, thus preserving the idea of an internal cognitive breakthrough while adapting to broader linguistic applications. The character's structural integrity, centered on the interplay between mind and self, has remained unchanged, supporting its consistent conceptual role throughout the history of the language.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我领了这个道理。

Wǒ lǐngwùle zhège dàolǐ.

I have understood this principle.

他终于出了答案。

Tā zhōngyú wù chūle dá'àn.

He finally figured out the answer.

她顿时感到生命珍贵。

Tā dùnshí gǎnwù dào shēngmìng zhēnguì.

She suddenly realized how precious life is.

经历失败让他有所领

Jīnglì shībài ràng tā yǒu suǒ lǐngwù.

Experiencing failure gave him some enlightenment.

经过思考,他才到真相。

Jīngguò sīkǎo, tā cái wù dào zhēnxiàng.

After thinking it over, he finally realized the truth.

这位禅师的话令人顿

Zhè wèi chánshī de huà lìng rén dùnwù.

This Zen master's words brought about a sudden enlightenment.

他的性很高,学得很快。

Tā de wùxìng hěn gāo, xué dé hěn kuài.

His comprehension is very high, so he learns quickly.

从错误中领的人生智慧更加深刻。

Cóng cuòwù zhōng lǐngwù de rénshēng zhìhuì gèngjiā shēnkè.

The wisdom of life understood from mistakes is more profound.