追思 (zhuī sī) — to cherish the memory of (especially a deceased person); to recall with respect

Definition

Formal, written verb meaning to remember someone with deep respect and affection, especially the deceased. Use it for solemn occasions (memorials, anniversaries), not casual reminiscence.

verb
to cherish the memory of (especially a deceased person)to recall with respect

Examples

  • ，追思。
    Qīng míng jié shí, xǔ duō rén qù mù dì zhuī sī qīn rén.
    During Qingming Festival, many people go to cemeteries to cherish the memory of their loved ones.
  • 追思。
    Zhè chǎng zhuī sī huì shì wèi le jì niàn zhè wèi wěi dà de zuò jiā.
    This memorial service was held to honor this great writer.
  • 追思。
    Tā zài xìn zhōng zhuī sī wǎng rì de shī shēng qíng yì.
    In the letter, he recalled with fondness the past bond between teacher and student.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

追zhuīrecall
思sīthink

追 suggests reaching back, and 思 means thinking; together they express recalling with respect.

Characters in this word

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
辶Written in full as辵chuòmovement
Sound part声符shēngfú
𠂤
𠂤𠂤追zhuī
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The 辶 part shows movement, while 𠂤 gives the sound, for the sense of moving after or pursuing.

Open 追 →

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
心心xīnheart
Sound part声符shēngfú
囟
囟xìn思sī
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

In 思, 心 (heart) points to thinking, while the top part is a changed form of 囟, which supplied the sound.

Open 思 →

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