Definitions
to bite
Etymology
About
The character 齰, a verb meaning to bite or gnaw, is found primarily in classical Chinese texts. It follows a phono-semantic structure: the left component 齒 (teeth) provides the meaning, indicating an action involving the mouth and teeth, while the right component 乍 supplies the sound, pronounced either "zé" or "zhà" depending on the dialect. This character was not simplified in modern usage, preserving its specific meaning focused on the physical act of biting with the teeth.
Etymology Hide
