Definitions

hatchet

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "斧", denoting an axe, is etymologically a phono-semantic compound constructed from the semantic component "斤", itself an ancient pictogram for a blade or adze, and the phonetic component "父" which guides its pronunciation. This structural relationship has remained essentially unchanged across centuries, with the character's form experiencing only modest stylistic modifications in its visual presentation. Initially referring specifically to a broad-bladed axe employed as a tool for woodcraft or as a weapon of war, the term's semantic range broadened in classical usage to acquire figurative meanings, most notably in contexts of authority or meticulous amendment, as exemplified by the phrase "斧正" which invokes the precision of an axe to request literary critique. In modern contexts, while these metaphorical applications persist, the character predominantly retains its fundamental literal sense as a common cutting implement.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Spring and Autumn (771-476 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 Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他拿起了一把头。

Tā ná qǐ le yī bǎ fǔtóu.

He picked up an axe.

樵夫用子砍柴。

Qiáofū yòng fǔzi kǎn chái.

The woodcutter uses an axe to chop firewood.

这把头非常锋利。

Zhè bǎ fǔtóu fēicháng fēnglì.

This axe is very sharp.

爷爷用子劈开了木桩。

Yéye yòng fǔzi pī kāi le mùzhuāng.

Grandpa split the wooden stump with an axe.

工具棚里有一把旧头。

Gōngjù péng lǐ yǒu yī bǎ jiù fǔtóu.

There is an old axe in the toolshed.

考古学家发现了一把古代石

Kǎogǔ xuéjiā fāxiàn le yī bǎ gǔdài shífǔ.

The archaeologist discovered an ancient stone axe.

这把青铜是重要的历史文物。

Zhè bǎ qīngtóng fǔ shì zhòngyào de lìshǐ wénwù.

This bronze axe is an important historical artifact.

消防通常放在紧急出口旁边。

Xiāofáng fǔ tōngcháng fàng zài jǐnjí chūkǒu pángbiān.

Fire axes are usually placed next to emergency exits.