Definitions

xiè (noun) mechanical device; tool; machinery
xiè (noun) weapon; arms
xiè (noun) shackles; fetters

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 械 is structurally formed from the semantic component 木, indicating wood, and the phonetic component 戒, which provides sound but also carries connotations of warning or restraint, suggesting an early association with wooden tools designed for control or labor, such as fetters or agricultural implements. Etymologically, this composition points to an original meaning centered on wooden instruments, often those used to bind or work, before its semantic field gradually expanded to include more complex mechanical devices and weaponry. Over time, the term shed some of its specific wooden connotations to embrace a broader category of machinery and equipment, evolving into its modern primary sense referring to mechanical apparatus and tools in general.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这是机零件。

Zhè shì jīxiè língjiàn.

This is a mechanical part.

工厂使用很多器

Gōngchǎng shǐyòng hěnduō qìxiè.

The factory uses a lot of equipment.

他负责维护枪

Tā fùzé wéihù qiāngxiè.

He is responsible for maintaining firearms.

自动化提高了效率。

Jīxiè zìdònghuà tígāo le xiàolǜ.

Mechanical automation has improved efficiency.

这些医疗器非常精密。

Zhèxiē yīliáo qìxiè fēicháng jīngmì.

These medical instruments are very precise.

警方收缴了非法斗的武器。

Jǐngfāng shōujiǎo le fēifǎ xièdòu de wǔqì.

The police confiscated weapons from illegal armed fights.

农业机化是现代农业的标志。

Nóngyè jīxièhuà shì xiàndài nóngyè de biāozhì.

Agricultural mechanization is a sign of modern agriculture.

工程师设计了新型的机手臂。

Gōngchéngshī shèjì le xīnxíng de jīxiè shǒubì.

The engineer designed a new type of mechanical arm.