Definitions

piebald horse; excellent horse

Etymology phono-semantic

horse

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

denotes a fine horse with a dark grey or piebald coat marked by a checkered or spotted pattern. It is a phono-semantic compound combining the semantic radical (mǎ, 'horse') and the phonetic (qí), and is traditionally written using the full form . In classical literature, the character symbolized outstanding talent, speed, and nobility, metaphorically linking the horse's physical excellence to the virtues of eminent scholars and capable officials.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern