忌 (jì) - to fear & to dread

忌Tone 4

jì ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 心

慧佳

忌 · jì

to fear;

to dread;

to avoid;

to abstain from;

jealousy;

envy;

taboo;

anniversary of a death

to fearto dreadto avoid

Usage highlights

JealousyTo avoid certain foodsDeath anniversaryTabooTo have scruplesTo be jealous

Synonyms

  • 妒— jealousy, envy
  • 讳— taboo, avoid mentioning
  • 畏— fear, dread

Antonyms

  • 慕— admire, yearn for
  • 爱— love, like
  • 崇— revere, worship

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is jealous of his friend's success (忌妒).
  • Patients with high blood pressure should avoid salty food (忌口).
  • Today is the anniversary of my grandfather's death (忌日).
  • There are many taboos in traditional culture (禁忌).

Collocations

  • Jealousy(忌妒)
  • To avoid certain foods(忌口)
  • Death anniversary(忌日)
  • Taboo(禁忌)
  • To have scruples(顾忌)
  • To be jealous(猜忌)

Idioms

  • Taboos and misgivings(顾忌重重)
  • Jealous of the capable and envious of the able(忌贤妒能)
  • Nothing to fear or avoid(百无禁忌)
  • Openly jealous(公然猜忌)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, '忌' is associated with death anniversaries and taboos regarding speech and behavior.
  • The character reflects cultural values of restraint, respect for the deceased, and social harmony through avoidance of conflict.
  • In naming, it is generally avoided due to its negative connotations of jealousy and death.

FAQ