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How to understand the Chinese character 疑?

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SEARU

Feb 01, 2021, 16:15

The structure of the word 疑(yi) is complicated. The pupils usually ‘swallow’ it as a whole Chinese date without detailed analysis! 

匕(bi) is a short sword; 矢(shi) is an arrow. Both 匕 and 矢 were common weapons in the ancient times. 

The key problem is that how you think of the remaining part of 疑?  I believe it should represent  that a man is walking forward with the head looking backward who wonders if there is some weapon attacking him! 

Yes, in Chinese 疑 means ‘doubt’, ‘wondering’.  


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KristaChen

Good job, Searu.

SEARU

This reminds me what happened in my childhood:Most kids even some adults did not dare walk alone in darkness.  When I did, my heart beat fast than normal. I had to look backward now and then trying to find out if someone (evil god)following me.  You can imagine that boy just looked like what the right part of 疑 shows:  who was  running ahead while bending the head checking the behind! 

(As all of us lead a normal life, we should not worry so much!   I say so for kidding!  )