Definitions

(noun) registry; record; roll
(noun) household registration

Etymology phono-semantic

bamboo

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

This phono-semantic compound features the bamboo radical 竹 at the top, linking it to ancient records written on bamboo slips. The lower portion 耤 serves as the phonetic component, originally depicting plowing, which hints at the systematic recording of lands or taxes. The character’s meaning evolved from physical bamboo books to the abstract idea of a registry or official record, eventually encompassing membership, nationality, and one’s native place.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢阅读书

Wǒ xǐhuān yuèdú shūjí.

I like reading books.

图书馆有很多书

Túshūguǎn yǒu hěnduō shūjí.

The library has many books.

我的贯是北京。

Wǒ de jíguàn shì Běijīng.

My native place is Beijing.

他办理了户手续。

Tā bànlǐle hùjí shǒuxù.

He went through the household registration procedures.

她拥有双重国

Tā yōngyǒu shuāngchóng guójí.

She has dual nationality.

学校管理学生的学信息。

Xuéxiào guǎnlǐ xuéshēng de xuéjí xìnxī.

The school manages students' academic records.

博物馆收藏了许多珍贵古

Bówùguǎn shōucángle xǔduō zhēnguì gǔjí.

The museum has collected many precious ancient books.

根据户资料,他的贯和国都记录在案。

Gēnjù hùjí zīliào, tā de jíguàn hé guójí dōu jìlù zài àn.

According to the household registration documents, his native place and nationality are recorded.