Definitions

chì (bound form) to put in order; to arrange properly; circumspect; well-behaved; to give (sb) an order

Etymology phono-semantic

strength

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "饬", in its traditional form "飭", is constructed from the semantic component 食 denoting food and the phonetic component 力 representing force, though this phonetic association has become less transparent over time. Initially, its meaning was closely tied to the preparation and arrangement of food, but through extended use, it acquired more abstract senses pertaining to putting things in order, issuing commands, or enforcing discipline. This semantic shift reflects a movement from a concrete, domestic activity to broader applications in administrative and moral contexts, where it came to signify the act of rectifying or making something orderly. The character's structure, combining elements related to sustenance and effort, subtly underscores the notion of applying energy to achieve proper arrangement, a concept that persisted even as its usage expanded beyond its original culinary associations.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他整了杂乱的书桌。

Tā zhěngchì le záluàn de shūzhuō.

He tidied up the messy desk.

公司整了工作流程。

Gōngsī zhěngchì le gōngzuò liúchéng.

The company rectified the work process.

政府令各部门节约开支。

Zhèngfǔ chìlìng gè bùmén jiéyuē kāizhī.

The government ordered all departments to cut expenses.

他为人谨,深受信任。

Tā wéirén jǐnchì, shēn shòu xìnrèn.

He is cautious and orderly, deeply trusted.

军队被令立即出发。

Jūnduì bèi chìlìng lìjí chūfā.

The army was ordered to depart immediately.

经过整,学校的环境变得更好。

Jīngguò zhěngchì, xuéxiào de huánjìng biàn de gèng hǎo.

After rectification, the school's environment became better.

管理部门令整改安全隐患。

Guǎnlǐ bùmén chìlìng zhěnggǎi ānquán yǐnhuàn.

The management department ordered the rectification of safety hazards.

在上级的严下,项目进度终于加快。

Zài shàngjí de yán chì xià, xiàngmù jìndù zhōngyú jiākuài.

Under the strict orders from superiors, the project progress finally accelerated.