About
The character 睚 is a phono-semantic compound with the semantic radical 目 (eye) on the left, indicating its anatomical domain, and the phonetic component 崖 on the right, which provides its pronunciation. Originally, it referred specifically to the corner of the eye. Over time, its meaning expanded to denote staring angrily, as captured in the idiom 'yázìbìbào' (睚眦必报), meaning to seek revenge for the slightest slight. This shift moved the character from a physical descriptor to an expression of hostility.
Etymology Hide
