Definitions

shì (verb) to swear; to pledge; to vow
shì (noun) oath

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "誓", signifying an oath or vow, is formed from the semantic component 言, representing speech, and the component 折, which functions phonetically and carries connotations of cutting or deciding, together illustrating the concept of a decisive verbal pledge. Its etymology points to the act of making a binding declaration, where the speech element denotes the verbal aspect and the 折 element implies a firm resolution or break, underscoring the solemnity of the commitment. While its fundamental meaning of a solemn promise has been consistent, the usage of "誓" has expanded from formal ceremonial proclamations, such as in military or ritual contexts, to include a variety of personal and legal undertakings over time.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他发不再迟到。

Tā fāshì bù zài chídào.

He swore not to be late again.

她的言很真诚。

Tā de shìyán hěn zhēnchéng.

Her oath is very sincere.

我们在国旗下宣读词。

Wǒmen zài guóqí xià xuāndú shìcí.

We read the oath under the national flag.

战士死保卫祖国。

Zhànshì shìsǐ bǎowèi zǔguó.

The soldiers swear to defend the motherland even at the cost of their lives.

他们签订了婚姻约。

Tāmen qiāndìng le hūnyīn shìyuē.

They signed a marriage pledge.

我发,无论遇到什么困难都会坚持下去。

Wǒ fāshì, wúlùn yù dào shénme kùnnan dōu huì jiānchí xiàqù.

I swear that no matter what difficulties I encounter, I will persevere.

在庄严的仪式上,他郑重地许下了守护环境的言。

Zài zhuāngyán de yíshì shàng, tā zhèngzhòng de xǔxià le shǒuhù huánjìng de shìyán.

At the solemn ceremony, he solemnly made a vow to protect the environment.

尽管面临诸多挑战,但政府要推动这项改革,并已制定详细计划以确保其实现。

Jǐnguǎn miànlín zhūduō tiǎozhàn, dàn zhèngfǔ shì yào tuīdòng zhè xiàng gǎigé, bìng yǐ zhìdìng xiángxì jìhuà yǐ quèbáo qí shíxiàn.

Despite facing many challenges, the government is determined to promote this reform and has developed a detailed plan to ensure its realization.