澈 (chè) — (bound form) clear, penetrating, thorough
Definition
澈 (chè) is a bound written/literary character meaning 'clear, transparent' (water, air) or 'thorough, incisive' (analysis). It almost never stands alone — pair it with 清 or 澄 (qīng/chéng) for liquids, or 透 (tòu) for ideas.
bound form
clearpenetratingthorough
Examples
- 。Hú shuǐ qīng chè jiàn dǐ.The lake water is so clear that you can see the bottom.
- 澈。Tā duì wèn tí de fēn xī fēi cháng tòu chè.His analysis of the problem is very thorough and incisive.
- 澈，。Yǔ hòu kōng qì chéng chè, ràng rén xīn kuàng shén yí.After the rain, the air is crisp and clear, making one feel relaxed and happy.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
Sound part声符shēngfú
徹
徹chè澈chè
Same sound today
澈 pairs 水 (water) with 徹, which gives the sound.
Appears in
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