慧

huì

彗 + 心

Frequency#1505

Definitions

huì (adjective) intelligent; wise; smart

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 心 represents the meaning and 彗 represents the sound.

Semantic: 心 Phonetic: 彗

About

The character "慧" is structured with the phonetic component "彗" positioned above the semantic component "心", directly associating it with mental processes. The element "彗" conveys the action of sweeping, implying a mind that clears away confusion to achieve discernment. In early usage, "慧" denoted practical intelligence or mental sharpness, but its meaning expanded through adoption in Buddhist philosophy to specify a deep, insightful wisdom known as prajna, representing an understanding of ultimate truth. This shift illustrates how the character's conceptual application evolved from general cleverness to include specialized spiritual insight.

Etymology Hide

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他很有智慧。

Tā hěn yǒu zhìhuì.

He is very wise.

智慧使人进步。

Zhìhuì shǐ rén jìnbù.

Wisdom makes people progress.

她是个聪慧的孩子。

Tā shì gè cōnghuì de háizi.

She is a clever child.

他有慧眼识人才。

Tā yǒu huìyǎn shí réncái.

He has a discerning eye to recognize talent.

智慧来源于生活经验。

Zhìhuì láiyuán yú shēnghuó jīngyàn.

Wisdom comes from life experience.

她的慧心让人感动。

Tā de huìxīn ràng rén gǎndòng.

Her wise heart moves people.

通过读书可以增长智慧。

Tōngguò dúshū kěyǐ zēngzhǎng zhìhuì.

Through reading, one can increase wisdom.

他的慧根深厚，领悟力极强。

Tā de huìgēn shēnhòu, lǐngwù lì jí qiáng.

His innate wisdom is profound, and his comprehension is extremely strong.

Related Characters

Component: 彗

Component: 心

慧