觿 (xī) - xi — an ancient bone or jade artifact & symbolizes wisdom and problem-solving ability.

觿Tone 1

xī ｜ 25 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

觿 · xī

xi — an ancient bone or jade artifact used as a belt ornament and as a tool for untying knots;

symbolizes wisdom and problem-solving ability.

xi — an ancient bone or jade artifactsymbolizes wisdom and problem-solving ability.

Usage highlights

jade xibone xixi ornamentxi knotxi of wisdomancient xi

Synonyms

  • 解结锥— knot-untier (functional equivalent)
  • 佩觿— worn xi (as ornament)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The archaeologist found a jade xi (玉觿) at the site.
  • In ancient times, xi was used to untie knots (解结).
  • The xi ornament was part of ceremonial dress (礼服装饰).
  • This artifact symbolizes wisdom like a xi (如觿之智).

Collocations

  • jade xi(玉觿)
  • bone xi(骨觿)
  • xi ornament(觿饰)
  • xi knot-untier(觿解结器)
  • xi of wisdom(智慧之觿)
  • ancient xi(古觿)

Idioms

  • Untying knots with a xi(觿解其结)
  • As sharp as a xi(如觿之锐)
  • The wisdom of the xi(觿智)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally a practical tool for untying knots, later became a ceremonial ornament.
  • Symbolized wisdom and problem-solving ability in Confucian tradition.
  • Often made of jade, bone, or ivory and worn as part of formal attire.
  • Mentioned in classical texts like the Book of Rites as part of aristocratic regalia.

FAQ