Definitions

shū (verb) to relax; to feel comfortable
shū (verb) to stretch out; to unfold
shū (adjective) leisurely; comfortable

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 舒 is structurally composed of 舍, which can imply a dwelling or releasing, and 予, meaning to give, together conveying a sense of extension or easing. Its earliest recorded meanings centered on physical stretching or unfolding, and over centuries this literal sense broadened to encompass the abstract qualities of comfort, leisure, and relaxation. The character's form has remained consistent, and its semantic progression reflects a move from describing a physical action to denoting a state of ease.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这件衣服很服。

Zhè jiàn yīfu hěn shūfu.

This piece of clothing is very comfortable.

今天我感觉不太服。

Jīntiān wǒ gǎnjué bù tài shūfu.

Today I don't feel very well.

新家的环境非常适。

Xīn jiā de huánjìng fēicháng shūshì.

The environment of the new home is very comfortable.

服地坐在沙发上看电视。

Tā shūfu de zuò zài shāfā shàng kàn diànshì.

He sat comfortably on the sofa watching TV.

拉伸运动可以展僵硬的肌肉。

Lāshēn yùndòng kěyǐ shūzhǎn jiāngyìng de jīròu.

Stretching exercises can stretch stiff muscles.

这款面霜能让皮肤感到缓。

Zhè kuǎn miànshuāng néng ràng pífū gǎndào shūhuǎn.

This face cream can make the skin feel soothed.

听轻音乐能令人心情畅。

Tīng qīngyīnyuè néng lìng rén xīnqíng shūchàng.

Listening to light music can make one's mood relaxed and happy.

完成工作后他终于了一口气。

Wánchéng gōngzuò hòu tā zhōngyú shūle yī kǒu qì.

After finishing the work, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.