About
The character "讨", whose traditional form is "討", is structured with the speech component "言" (simplified to "讠") on the left and "寸" on the right, the latter often associated with regulated action. Etymologically, this combination suggests the use of speech to deliberate or enforce, leading to early meanings centered on discussion or the launching of punitive campaigns, as in "讨伐". Over time, its semantic range broadened to encompass actions like requesting or begging, evident in "讨饭", and later to denote causing or provoking, as in "讨厌". This shift reflects a movement from collective verbal discourse to more individualized acts of demand or provocation.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我讨厌下雨天。
大家一起讨论计划。
我想向你讨教一下。
他总是讨好老板。
公司派人去讨债。
在市场讨价还价很正常。
古代国王经常讨伐邻国。
那个乞丐在街上乞讨食物。