星相 (xīng xiāng) — the combined practice of astrology and physiognomy; horoscopy

Definition

A traditional Chinese practice that combines astrology (reading the stars) with physiognomy (reading the face) to tell a person's fate. Seen in classical and folk contexts rather than modern Western horoscopes.

noun
the combined practice of astrology and physiognomyhoroscopy

Examples

  • 星相。
    Tā cóng xiǎo jiù gēn zhe shī fu xué xí xīng xiāng.
    He has studied astrology and physiognomy under a master since childhood.
  • 星相。
    Zhōng guó gǔ dài de xīng xiāng bāo hán le tiān wén hé rén xiāng liǎng bù fen.
    Ancient Chinese astrology-and-physiognomy covers both celestial and human aspects.
  • 星相，。
    Tā bú tài xiāng xìn xīng xiāng, jué de mìng yùn yīng gāi kào zì jǐ.
    She doesn't really believe in horoscopy; she thinks fate depends on oneself.

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.

星xīngstar
相xiāngphysiognomy

Star and physiognomy combine to mean reading fate from stars and faces.

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.

The top of 星 is a later simplified form of 晶, twinkling stars; the bottom 生 shows the sound.

Open 星 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

In 相, 目 is an eye and 木 is a tree, showing an eye looking at a tree; this originally meant “to observe.”

Open 相 →

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