射 shè to shoot
to shoot; to eject; to emit
How it came to be
会意 · Meaning + meaning
Two or more parts whose meanings together make the new meaning.
Originally: drawn bow
The oldest form is an arrow on a bow, ready to shoot; on bronze a hand pulling the string was added.
How it is used
- To shoot/emit (a projectile, ray, or fluid): 射击 (shèjī) shoot (firing), 发射 (fāshè) launch (rocket/missile), 射门 (shèmén) shoot at goal.
- For light/rays: 照射 (zhàoshè) shine on, 反射 (fǎnshè) reflect, 折射 (zhéshè) refract, 放射 (fàngshè) radiate.
- Medical 注射 (zhùshè) = injection. Core idea: something propelled out in a straight line.