Definitions

dìng (verb) to order; to book; to subscribe to
dìng (verb) to agree upon; to conclude; to draw up

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The traditional character "訂" is structured from the semantic component "言" (speech) and the phonetic component "丁", which originally conveyed the sense of finality or settlement, much like driving in a nail. Its core meaning historically centered on the act of discussing and then establishing or rectifying something, such as an agreement or a text, thus carrying notions of deliberation and conclusion. Over centuries, this conceptual foundation of reaching a settled arrangement evolved to dominate its modern usage, where the character now primarily denotes concrete actions like placing an order, making a reservation, or subscribing to a publication, all of which imply a formal and finalized agreement between parties.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

了一张票。

Wǒ dìng le yī zhāng piào.

I booked a ticket.

他预了晚餐。

Tā yùdìng le wǎncān.

He reserved dinner.

我们阅了报纸。

Wǒmen dìngyuè le bàozhǐ.

We subscribed to the newspaper.

公司签了合同。

Gōngsī qiāndìng le hétong.

The company signed a contract.

正这些错误。

Qǐng dìngzhèng zhèxiē cuòwù.

Please correct these mistakes.

制了一件衣服。

Tā dìngzhì le yī jiàn yīfu.

She customized a piece of clothing.

我们必须好计划。

Wǒmen bìxū dìng hǎo jìhuà.

We must finalize the plan.

经过讨论,双方下了协议。

Jīngguò tǎolùn, shuāngfāng dìng xià le xiéyì.

After discussion, both parties reached an agreement.