蝎

蠍

xiē

曷 + 虫

Definitions

xiē variant of 蠍|蝎[xiē]

xiē (bound form) scorpion

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 曷 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蠍.

Semantic: 虫 Phonetic: 曷

About

The traditional character 蠍 combines the insect radical 虫 (chóng) with the phonetic component 歇 (xiē), classifying the scorpion as a venomous, crawling creature. In its simplified form 蝎, the radical is retained while the right side is replaced with the simpler phonetic 曷 (hé). The character has always referred specifically to the scorpion, a venomous arachnid with a stinger. It is often used in literary or metaphorical contexts to denote viciousness, malice, or a cruel and dangerous nature.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我在沙漠里看到蝎子

Wǒ zài shāmò lǐ kàndào xiēzi

I saw a scorpion in the desert.

蝎子是一种毒虫

Xiēzi shì yī zhǒng dúchóng

Scorpions are a type of poisonous insect.

小心那只毒蝎子

Xiǎoxīn nà zhī dú xiēzi

Be careful of that poisonous scorpion.

天蝎座是我的星座

Tiānxiēzuò shì wǒ de xīngzuò

Scorpio is my zodiac sign.

他被蝎子蜇伤了手臂

Tā bèi xiēzi zhēshāngle shǒubì

His arm was stung by a scorpion.

在干燥地区蝎子很常见

Zài gānzào dìqū xiēzi hěn chángjiàn

Scorpions are common in arid regions.

研究人员正在研究蝎毒

Yánjiū rényuán zhèngzài yánjiū xiēdú

Researchers are studying scorpion venom.

这只蝎子的毒性非常强烈

Zhè zhǐ xiēzi de dúxìng fēicháng qiángliè

This scorpion's venom is extremely potent.

Related Characters

Component: 曷

Component: 虫

蝎