Definitions

(verb) to doubt; to suspect
(adjective) suspicious; doubtful

Etymology

Simplified form of . Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "疑", which conveys the meaning of doubt or suspicion, derives from an etymological foundation where its structural components collectively illustrate a state of hesitation or uncertainty. Its composition integrates elements that imply a cessation of movement or a moment of reconsideration, thereby semantically aligning with the notion of wavering judgment. Over centuries, the character has preserved this central concept of doubt while gradually acquiring associated nuances, such as mistrust or speculative inquiry, within compound terms and broader usage. The traditional form of the character, unchanged in its fundamental construction, continues to embody these visual hints at indecision, reflecting a lasting conceptual bond between physical pause and mental reservation.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal 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)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我对他的话表示怀

Wǒ duì tā de huà biǎoshì huáiyí.

I have doubts about what he said.

他总是怀我的决定。

Tā zǒng shì huáiyí wǒ de juédìng.

He always questions my decisions.

这个案件有很多点。

Zhège ànjiàn yǒu hěn duō yídiǎn.

There are many questionable points in this case.

我毫不怀他的能力。

Wǒ háo bù huáiyí tā de nénglì.

I have no doubt about his ability.

她对陌生人充满了虑。

Tā duì mòshēngrén chōngmǎnle yílǜ.

She is full of apprehension towards strangers.

科学家对这个理论提出了质

Kēxuéjiā duì zhège lǐlùn tíchūle zhìyí.

Scientists have raised questions about this theory.

他的行为令人起

Tā de xíngwéi lìng rén qǐ yí.

His behavior is suspicious.

证据确凿,无可置

Zhèngjù quèzáo, wú kě zhìyí.

The evidence is conclusive and beyond doubt.