悉 xī know
How to remember 悉: 釆 to distinguish + 心 heart = know. The mum can distinguish her twins by their cries alone, because in her heart she will always know which one is which.
Component breakdown
会意 · Meaning + meaning
Two or more parts whose meanings together make the new meaning.
悉 = 釆 to distinguish + 心 heart
- 釆 to distinguish meaning
- 心 heart meaning
The mum can distinguish her twins by their cries alone, because in her heart she will always know which one is which.
How it came to be
The Qin form puts telling things apart above the heart: to know something in full detail.
How it is used
- Bound; to know/be aware of. Chiefly 熟悉 (shúxī) = familiar with.
- In formal/news writing 悉 means "to learn of": 据悉 (jùxī) it is reported that, 获悉 (huòxī) to learn (of news).
- 据悉 (jùxī) is stiff, journalistic register. You'd never say it casually.
Words with 悉
Example sentences
- 我对这个事情不熟悉。 Wǒ duì zhèige shìqing bù shúxī.I'm not familiar with this matter.