Definitions

huò (noun) clear; open; broad-minded
huō (adjective) opening; gap; space
huá (verb) to play finger-guessing game

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "豁" is structured with the semantic component "谷", meaning valley, and the component "害", which primarily serves a phonetic function. Its original meaning referred to a physical gap or opening, such as a breach in a valley or mountain pass. This concrete sense gradually extended to describe abstract states of openness or clarity, as in expressing an open mind or clear understanding. Over time, the character acquired additional meanings, including to exempt or remit, often used in formal contexts such as legal exemptions. The composition of "谷" and "害" has remained consistent in its written form, supporting these semantic developments from literal to figurative applications.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

墙上有一个口。

Qiáng shàng yǒu yī gè huōkǒu.

There is a gap in the wall.

他被免了罚款。

Tā bèi huòmiǎn le fákuǎn.

He was exempted from the fine.

他的性格很达。

Tā de xìnggé hěn huòdá.

His personality is very open-minded.

然明白了这个道理。

Wǒ huòrán míngbái le zhège dàolǐ.

I suddenly understood this principle.

面对困难时,他表现得很达。

Miàn duì kùnnán shí, tā biǎoxiàn de hěn huòdá.

When facing difficulties, he behaved very open-mindedly.

这项政策免了低收入家庭的税收。

Zhè xiàng zhèngcè huòmiǎn le dī shōurù jiātíng de shuìshōu.

This policy exempts low-income families from taxes.

经过老师的讲解,我的思路然清晰。

Jīngguò lǎoshī de jiǎngjiě, wǒ de sīlù huòrán qīngxī.

After the teacher's explanation, my train of thought suddenly became clear.

为了成功,他决定出去努力一次。

Wèile chénggōng, tā juédìng huō chūqù nǔlì yī cì.

For success, he decided to go all out and try hard once.