Definitions
(numeral)
four (in financial contexts)
(adjective)
unrestrained; wanton
(noun)
shop; store
About
The character "肆" is structurally composed of "镸", denoting length, and "聿", representing a brush, though this arrangement does not semantically align with its uses. Etymologically, it stems from the concept of stretching or spreading out, which initially conveyed meanings of exhibition or display. Over time, its application broadened to signify a workshop or retail establishment, as in "酒肆" for a wineshop, while also acquiring the sense of unrestrained behavior or indulgence, evident in terms like "放肆". Additionally, "肆" adopted the role of a formal numeral for "four" in financial and legal contexts to deter tampering, distinguishing it from the commonplace "四".
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
狂风在窗外肆虐。
病毒在这个地区肆虐了数月。
孩子们在公园里放肆地奔跑玩耍。
新闻大肆报道了这次国际会议。
他肆无忌惮地抄袭他人的作品。
战火肆虐过后，城市满目疮痍。
作为领导，他从不曾在工作中放肆自己的脾气。
那家公司因肆行金融欺诈而受到法律的严厉制裁。