欹 (yī) - Leaning, tilted, inclined & also refers to an ancient vessel that tips

欹Tone 1

yī ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

七器

欹 · yī

Leaning, tilted, inclined;

also refers to an ancient vessel that tips when full and rights itself when empty, symbolizing moderation.

Leaning, tilted, inclinedalso refers to an ancient vessel that tips

Usage highlights

Leaning and straightLeaning sidewaysLeaning vesselTilted and unevenLeaning postureLeaning dangerously

Synonyms

  • 斜— slanting, oblique
  • 倾— to incline, to lean
  • 侧— sideways, tilted

Antonyms

  • 正— upright, straight
  • 直— straight, vertical
  • 平— level, flat

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The vase was leaning precariously (欹侧).
  • He sat in a tilted position (欹坐).
  • The ancient vessel called a qī (欹器) was used to teach moderation.

Collocations

  • Leaning and straight(欹正)
  • Leaning sideways(欹侧)
  • Leaning vessel(欹器)
  • Tilted and uneven(欹斜)
  • Leaning posture(欹坐)
  • Leaning dangerously(倾欹)

Idioms

  • Leaning and straight complement each other(欹正相生)
  • Dangerously tilted(倾欹不稳)
  • Leaning jade and slanting pearls(欹玉斜珠)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The 'qī vessel' (欹器) was an ancient Chinese instructional device that tipped when overfilled, embodying the Confucian principle of moderation.
  • In Chinese art and calligraphy, 'qī' (欹) represents dynamic imbalance that creates aesthetic tension and interest.
  • The character appears in classical texts discussing balance and the middle way in both physical and philosophical contexts.

FAQ