(zhé) — (bound form) wisdom; philosophy; sagacity

Definition

A literary bound form meaning 'wisdom' or 'philosophy' — almost always seen as part of a compound like 哲学 (philosophy) or 哲理 (philosophical principle). Standalone use is rare; it carries a classical, written tone.

bound form
wisdomphilosophysagacity

Examples

  • Tā yán jiū zhé xué.
    He studies philosophy.
  • Zhè běn shū chōng mǎn le zhé lǐ.
    This book is full of philosophical principles.
  • Gǔ dài zhé rén liú xià le hěn duō zhì huì.
    Ancient sages left behind much wisdom.

Origin

Sound + meaning
六书liùshū
形声xíngshēng

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
kǒumouth
Sound part声符shēngfú
zhézhé
Same sound today

The form 哲 pairs 口 (mouth) with 折, which gives the sound.

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