About
索 is a compound pictograph: it joins 糸 (mì), representing fine silk fibers, with 廾, an image of two hands, to depict the twisting of threads into a sturdy rope. The character's earliest meanings were 'thick rope, cable' and 'to twist a cord', senses that persist in words like 绳索 (rope) and 缆索 (cable). From the physical act of pulling and following a rope, as one does when tracking a line hand over hand, the meaning branched into abstract domains: 'to search' and 'to demand'. These extended meanings are now central to modern vocabulary, as in 探索 (explore) and 索取 (request, demand). Thus, a character originally tied to cord-making evolved to cover the actions of seeking and asking.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我在搜索答案。
他索取了一些资料。
这本书有详细索引。
警察找到了重要线索。
他思索着人生的问题。
索性我们明天再去吧。
公司向保险公司索赔。
登山者乘坐索道上山。
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.