奚 (xī) - Slave, servant & why, how

奚Tone 1

xī ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

奚 · xī

Slave, servant;

why, how;

ancient surname;

also used as an interrogative pronoun meaning 'why' or 'how'.

Slave, servantwhy, howancient surname

Usage highlights

WhyHowWhat reasonSlave systemXi surnameAncient servant

Synonyms

  • 奴— slave, servant
  • 仆— servant, attendant
  • 何— what, why (interrogative)

Antonyms

  • 主— master, owner
  • 君— ruler, lord

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Why are you late?(奚故迟到?)
  • He studies ancient slavery systems (他研究古代奚奴制度).
  • The surname Xi is quite rare (奚姓比较罕见).
  • How can this be explained?(奚以解释?)

Collocations

  • Why(奚为)
  • How(奚以)
  • What reason(奚故)
  • Slave system(奚奴制度)
  • Xi surname(奚姓)
  • Ancient servant(奚奴)

Idioms

  • Why should one worry?(奚忧之有)
  • What is there to doubt?(奚疑之有)
  • Why not return?(奚不归)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to slaves or servants in ancient China, particularly northern ethnic groups captured in warfare.
  • Later evolved into an interrogative pronoun in classical Chinese, equivalent to 'why' or 'how'.
  • As a surname, it originated from Xi Zhong, the legendary inventor of chariots in ancient times.

FAQ