昃 (zè) - The sun declining in the west & afternoon

昃Tone 4

zè ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 日

悦丈

昃 · zè

The sun declining in the west;

afternoon;

to slant;

to incline.

The sun declining in the westafternoonto slant

Usage highlights

Sun slanting westSun decliningAfternoon sunDusk and dawnSun past noonWork diligently

Synonyms

  • 斜— slanting; inclined
  • 偏— deviating; leaning
  • 夕— evening; dusk

Antonyms

  • 正— upright; straight
  • 中— center; noon
  • 朝— morning; dawn

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The sun is setting (日昃).
  • Working from dawn until dusk (昃食宵衣).
  • The sun has already passed its zenith (日已昃).

Collocations

  • Sun slanting west(日昃)
  • Sun declining(昃日)
  • Afternoon sun(昃景)
  • Dusk and dawn(昃旦)
  • Sun past noon(日中则昃)
  • Work diligently(昃食宵衣)

Idioms

  • The sun at noon begins to decline(日中则昃)
  • The full moon wanes(月盈则食)
  • Working diligently day and night(昃食宵衣)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Used in classical Chinese to mark time, specifically the afternoon period when the sun begins to decline.
  • Appears in the I Ching (Book of Changes) in the phrase '日中则昃' symbolizing the natural cycle of rise and decline.
  • Reflects ancient Chinese astronomical observation and timekeeping methods.

FAQ