Definitions

(verb) to provoke; to irritate; to anger
(verb) to attract (trouble); to cause (problems)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phono-semantic compound: (heart) at the bottom contributes the meaning, linking it to emotional responses, psychological states, and interpersonal reactions, while above indicates the sound. Its original sense is to provoke, stir up trouble, or elicit a reaction through words or behavior. The meaning later broadened to attracting attention, arousing feelings like laughter or anger, and bringing unwelcome consequences upon oneself. The character overall emphasizes how an action sets off a chain of events leading to an emotional or practical outcome, shifting the focus from the solitary act to its direct interpersonal impact.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

你不要我。

Nǐ bù yào rě wǒ.

Don't provoke me.

了大事。

Tā rě le dà shì.

He caused a big trouble.

这孩子真人爱。

Zhè háizi zhēn rě rén ài.

This child is really lovable.

别招那些坏人。

Bié zhāo rě nàxiē huài rén.

Don't provoke those bad people.

的麻烦太多了。

Nǐ rě de máfan tài duō le.

You have caused too much trouble.

她的话怒了大家。

Tā de huà rě nù le dàjiā.

Her words angered everyone.

你为什么总是麻烦?

Nǐ wèishénme zǒngshì rě máfan?

Why do you always cause trouble?

如果你再他生气,他可能会离开。

Rúguǒ nǐ zài rě tā shēngqì, tā kěnéng huì líkāi.

If you provoke him again, he might leave.