攸 (yōu) — (b.f., literary) that which; the place where (classical particle); (in the compound 攸关) of vital concern
Definition
A classical bound particle (often glossed 'that which; where') that almost always appears in the set compound 攸关 ('of vital concern'). You won't use 攸 on its own — learn it as part of 攸关, where it strengthens 'concern' to 'life-and-death importance'.
bound form
(b.f., literary) that whichthe place where (classical particle)(in the compound 攸关) of vital concern
Easily confused
- 莜yóulook-alike(bound morpheme) naked oat (in 莜麦, 莜面)
- 呦yōusound-alike(interjection) oh! (expressing surprise, dismay, or sudden realization)
- 优yōusound-alike(bound form) excellent, superior (e.g., 优秀 yōuxiù, 优美 yōuměi)
- 悠yōusound-alike(verb) to be leisurely, unhurried
- 幽yōusound-alike(bound form) remote and secluded
- 忧yōusound-alikeworry, anxiety, sorrow (bound form, used in compounds)
Examples
- 攸。Zhè ge wèn tí yǔ nǐ de lì yì yōu guān.This issue is vitally related to your interests.
- 攸。Cǐ shì yōu guān zhòng dà.This matter is of great concern.
- 攸。Zhè shì tā xìng mìng yōu guān de shì.This is a matter of life and death for him.
Origin
Compound ideograph六书liùshū
会意huìyìTwo or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.
- 人人rén
- 攴攴pū
The form 攸 pairs 人 (person) with 攴 (hand holding a stick), showing a person being warned; added dots in some forms may picture water for washing.
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