释 (shì) - to explain, to interpret & to release, to set free

释Tone 4

shì ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

上姝

释 · shì

to explain, to interpret;

to release, to set free;

to let go;

to clear up;

Buddhism (abbreviation for 释迦牟尼, Shakyamuni Buddha)

to explain, to interpretto release, to set freeto let go

Usage highlights

explainreleaseclarify doubtsBuddhist monkBuddhist teachingsannotation

Synonyms

  • 解— to explain, to untie
  • 阐— to expound, to clarify
  • 放— to release, to let go

Antonyms

  • 拘— to detain, to restrain
  • 囚— to imprison
  • 疑— to doubt, to suspect

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The teacher explained the difficult concept (解释概念).
  • They released the hostages (释放人质).
  • I need to clarify this misunderstanding (释疑).
  • He studies Buddhist scriptures (释典).

Collocations

  • explain(解释)
  • release(释放)
  • clarify doubts(释疑)
  • Buddhist monk(释子)
  • Buddhist teachings(释教)
  • annotation(注释)

Idioms

  • To dispel doubts and explain confusion(释疑解惑)
  • To let go of past grudges(释憾)
  • As if a heavy burden has been lifted(如释重负)
  • To release from bondage and set free(释缚焚榇)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally meant 'to explain, interpret' in classical Chinese, as seen in 解释.
  • In Buddhism, used as an abbreviation for Shakyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼), hence Buddhist monks often take the surname 释.
  • The character combines 釆 (distinguish) and 睪 (observe), reflecting its meaning of careful examination and explanation.

FAQ