今宵 (jīn xiāo) — (literary) tonight

Definition

Literary/classical word for 'tonight,' used in poetry, song lyrics, and elegant writing rather than everyday speech.

noun
(literary) tonight

Examples

  • 今宵，。
    jīn xiāo Yuè míng rú shuǐ, shì hé sàn bù.
    The moon is bright as water tonight, perfect for a stroll.
  • 今宵，。
    Bù zhī jīn xiāo guò hòu, hé shí cái néng zài jiàn.
    I don't know when we'll meet again after tonight.
  • 今宵，。
    jīn xiāo Lí bié, qiě jìn yì bēi jiǔ.
    Farewell tonight, let's finish a cup of wine.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

今jīnnow
宵xiāonight

“今” (now) and “宵” (night) together give “this night.”

Characters in this word

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

One explanation sees the shape as an upside-down mouth with a line below it, giving the idea of not speaking.

Open 今 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
宀宀miánroof
Sound part声符shēngfú
肖
肖xiào宵xiāo
Same sound today

宵 pairs 宀 (roof) with 肖, a part that gives the sound.

Open 宵 →

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