Definitions

zhuī (verb) to chase; to pursue; to investigate
zhuī (verb) to reminisce; to recall

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and 𠂤 represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "追" is structured with the movement radical "辶" and the phonetic component "隹", indicating its inherent association with motion. Its original meaning focused on physical acts of chasing or pursuing, often in contexts like military pursuits. Over time, the semantic scope extended to encompass abstract endeavors, including the striving for ideals, the investigation of origins, or the affectionate act of courting, while also acquiring uses related to recalling or retroactively addressing past events. The character's form has remained consistent, with its components continuing to reflect the idea of directed action.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

孩子小狗。

Háizi zhuī xiǎo gǒu.

The child chases the puppy.

我在公交车。

Wǒ zài zhuī gōngjiāo chē.

I am chasing the bus.

他喜欢星。

Tā xǐhuān zhuī xīng.

He likes to be a fan of celebrities.

我们赶时间。

Wǒmen zhuīgǎn shíjiān.

We are chasing time.

求幸福生活。

Tā zhuīqiú xìngfú shēnghuó.

She pursues a happy life.

公司求更高利润。

Gōngsī zhuīqiú gèng gāo lìrùn.

The company pursues higher profits.

科学家踪气候变化。

Kēxuéjiā zhuīzōng qìhòu biànhuà.

Scientists track climate change.

他一直在忆过去的美好时光。

Tā yìzhí zài zhuīyì guòqù de měihǎo shíguāng.

He has been reminiscing about the good old days.