What is the main meaning of 貽?

The primary meanings are to give as a gift, to bequeath, or to leave something behind (which can be positive like wisdom or negative like trouble).

Is 貽 commonly used in modern Chinese?

It is more common in classical or literary contexts and in set phrases like 貽笑大方. In everyday modern Chinese, simpler synonyms like 送 (to give) or 留 (to leave) are more frequent.

What are some positive name pairings with 貽?

Pair with characters that emphasize positive legacy and virtue.

貽Tone 2

yí ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

Prev一懿Next

貽 · yí

To present, to give as a gift;

to bequeath;

to leave behind;

to cause, to bring about.

To present, to give as a giftto bequeathto leave behind

Usage highlights

To leave behind troubleTo leave behind laughterTo give adviceTo leave behind a planTo give as a giftTo leave behind shame

Synonyms

贈— to give as a gift
遺— to leave behind, to bequeath
留— to leave, to remain

Antonyms

取— to take, to receive
收— to receive, to accept

Usage & contexts

Examples

He gave me a book as a gift (貽我一本書).
This will cause trouble for future generations (貽害後代).
She left behind a good reputation (貽名後世).
His actions brought shame upon his family (貽羞家人).

Collocations

To leave behind trouble(貽害)
To leave behind laughter(貽笑)
To give advice(貽訓)
To leave behind a plan(貽謀)
To give as a gift(貽贈)
To leave behind shame(貽羞)

Idioms

To make a laughingstock of oneself(貽笑大方)
To leave trouble for future generations(貽害無窮)
To leave a plan for one's descendants(貽厥孫謀)
To leave behind a warning for future generations(貽誡後世)

Cultural background

FAQ

Often used in classical Chinese literature in the context of giving gifts or leaving legacies.
Frequently appears in admonitory contexts about the consequences one's actions may have on future generations.
The character carries connotations of transmission and legacy, both positive (wisdom, plans) and negative (trouble, shame).

貽 (yí) - To present, to give as a gift & to bequeath