气度 (qì dù) — magnanimity, broad-mindedness, generosity of spirit; bearing, manner, personal style

Definition

Refers to the dignified manner a person shows through generosity and tolerance. Pairs naturally with 风度 ('grace, style') but stresses inner breadth, not just outward polish.

noun
magnanimitybroad-mindednessgenerosity of spiritbearingmannerpersonal style

Examples

  • 气度，。
    Zhè wèi lǐng dǎo hěn yǒu qì dù, néng gòu yuán liàng bié rén de cuò wù.
    This leader is very magnanimous, able to forgive others' mistakes.
  • 气度。
    Tā de qì dù hé fēng dù ràng rén shí fēn jìng pèi.
    His bearing and grace make people admire him greatly.
  • 气度，。
    Yí gè rén yào yǒu qì dù, cái néng zuò chéng dà shì.
    A person must have broad-mindedness to achieve great things.

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.

气qìspirit
度dùbearing

气 and 度 both denote spirit and bearing, so the word describes a person's manner.

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.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 氣; 气 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
米米mǐrice
Sound part声符shēngfú
气
气qì氣qì
Same sound today

The traditional form 氣 pairs 米 (rice) with 气, which supplies the sound; the simplified 气 is a later abbreviation.

Open 气 →

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
又又yòuhand
Sound part声符shēngfú
石
石shí度dù
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

度 has 又 (hand) and a changed form of 石; 石 gives a related sound, and the hand is tied to using the hand as a reference for measurement.

Open 度 →

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