衅 (xìn) - To quarrel & to dispute
衅 · xìn
To quarrel;
to dispute;
a rift or conflict;
also refers to a ceremonial blood sacrifice in ancient rituals where blood was smeared on objects.
To quarrelto disputea rift or conflict
Usage highlights
To pick a quarrelTo provoke a disputeA cause for disputeA rift or gapCeremonial blood smearingTo smear blood on a drum
Usage & contexts
Examples
- They had a quarrel over money (为钱发生衅端).
- The two countries have long-standing disputes (两国素有衅隙).
- In ancient times, blood was used in sacrificial ceremonies (古代衅礼用血).
- This incident created a rift between them (此事在他们之间挑起衅隙).
Collocations
- To pick a quarrel(寻衅)
- To provoke a dispute(挑衅)
- A cause for dispute(衅端)
- A rift or gap(衅隙)
- Ceremonial blood smearing(衅礼)
- To smear blood on a drum(衅鼓)
Idioms
- To watch for an opportunity to start trouble(观衅而动)
- To take advantage of a rift to invade(乘衅而入)
- To seek a pretext for quarrel(寻衅滋事)
Cultural background
FAQ- Originally referred to a ritual where blood from sacrifices was smeared on newly made objects like bells or drums to consecrate them.
- The character's structure with 'blood' (血) and 'half' (半) may suggest the splitting or offering of blood.
- Over time, the meaning extended metaphorically to quarrels and conflicts, as disputes often involve 'blood' or deep emotional rifts.