Definitions

careful; to prevent

Etymology phono-semantic

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Semantic: Phonetic:

About

, composed of and , is a classical Chinese term that denotes vigilant, preemptive caution. Etymologically, it conveys the idea of being meticulously careful, guarding against potential errors, and exercising prudence to prevent future misfortunes or mistakes. The character appears in classical admonitions, historical texts, and traditional idioms advising people to learn from past failures and maintain strict vigilance over their current conduct to avoid repeating disastrous outcomes. It remains largely confined to formal, literary, or archaic contexts, a specialized term for severe caution, not part of everyday speech.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern