About
芥 is a phono-semantic compound with the grass radical 艹 on top, indicating its connection to plants, and the phonetic component 介 below. It originally denotes the mustard plant, especially its seeds used to make a pungent condiment. Since mustard seeds are notably small, the character's meaning extended metaphorically to describe anything exceedingly tiny, trivial, or insignificant. This allows it to appear in philosophical and literary contexts, referring to minor matters, petty grievances, or mere specks, well beyond its botanical origin.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
芥菜是一种蔬菜。
他吃寿司喜欢加很多芥末。
他们之间曾有过芥蒂。
细微如芥子也能入画。
他的态度十分倨傲，视人如草芥。
这种芥子气是危险的化学武器。
生命在战火前有时轻如鸿毛，贱如草芥。
他心胸宽广，从不将那些微如芥豆的冒犯放在心上。