宰
zǎi
HSK 6
#2,076 most
frequent character
to slaughter livestock
verb
Character breakdown
Source: Make Me a Hanzi.
宰 zǎi puts 宀, a building, with 辛, a chisel-like tool that marks a criminal. The old picture gave the first meaning, 'criminal working inside building'. From there it grew to 'servant', 'imperial official', 'butcher', and 'to govern'.
宰 as a component in other characters
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Example Sentences
他在市场上宰了一只羊。
tāzài shìchǎng shàng zǎi le yīzhī yáng 。
He slaughtered a sheep at the market.
这个商人常常宰顾客。
zhègè shāngrén chángcháng zǎi gùkè 。
This businessman often cheats customers.
古代的宰相负责治理国家。
gǔdài de zǎixiàng fùzé zhìlǐ guójiā 。
In ancient times, the chancellor was responsible for governing the country.
Words with similar meanings
杀shā
to kill
This is a more general term for killing, often used in a broader context.
管理guǎnlǐ
to manage
This refers specifically to governing or managing affairs, often used in organizational contexts.
欺骗qīpiàn
to deceive
This is a broader term that encompasses various forms of deception, not limited to cheating customers.
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