Definitions

shì (verb) to explain; to interpret
shì (verb) to release; to free
shì (noun) Buddhism

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 释, traditional form 釋, is a phono-semantic compound whose structure relates to concepts of untying and explaining. The traditional form combines the left radical 釆 (biàn, "to distinguish", not to be confused with the similar 采) with the phonetic component 睪 (yì). The simplified form reduces this complexity, using 采 on the left and 尺 (chǐ, "ruler") on the right. Its core meaning is to physically release, unfasten, or let go from constraint. This concrete idea of untying naturally extended into abstract domains, becoming the primary term for explaining concepts, clearing up misunderstandings, interpreting texts, and officially freeing prisoners.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 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

我来解这个问题。

Wǒ lái jiěshì zhège wèntí.

I will explain this problem.

他终于怀了。

Tā zhōngyú shìhuái le.

He finally let go of his worries.

警方放了嫌疑人。

Jǐngfāng shìfàng le xiányírén.

The police released the suspect.

这本书阐了哲学思想。

Zhè běn shū chǎnshì le zhéxué sīxiǎng.

This book expounds philosophical ideas.

科学家试图解这个现象。

Kēxuéjiā shìtú jiěshì zhège xiànxiàng.

Scientists are trying to explain this phenomenon.

经过调解,双方终于疑了。

Jīngguò tiáojiě, shuāngfāng zhōngyú shìyí le.

After mediation, both parties finally cleared up their doubts.

在报告中,他详细阐了数据的含义。

Zài bàogào zhōng, tā xiángxì chǎnshì le shùjù de hányì.

In the report, he explained the meaning of the data in detail.

通过对历史文献的读,我们理解了古代社会的结构。

Tōngguò duì lìshǐ wénxiàn de shìdú, wǒmen lǐjiě le gǔdài shèhuì de jiégòu.

Through the deciphering of historical documents, we understood the structure of ancient society.