About
The character 秀, which remains unchanged between traditional and simplified forms, is etymologically composed of the component 禾, representing a grain plant, and 乃, which likely served a phonetic function but may also depict the bending shape of a ripe ear of grain. Its original meaning was concrete and agricultural, describing the heading or flowering stage of cereal crops, when the grain ear emerges. From this tangible image of a plant reaching its productive peak, the meaning broadened abstractly to signify excellence, elegance, and outstanding quality in people or things, as seen in terms denoting talent or beautiful scenery. This conceptual shift from a specific botanical phase to a general metaphor for distinction and refinement was well established in classical usage, where it was already employed to describe both exceptional landscapes and cultivated, virtuous individuals.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这里的风景很秀丽。
她有一头秀美的长发。
他的成绩很优秀。
妹妹的字体很秀气。
她在秀场上走秀。
他喜欢秀自己的新车。
这对夫妻经常秀恩爱。
演员在节目中秀出了精湛的演技。