慨 kǎi sigh
sigh; regret; lament
How to remember 慨: 忄 heart + 既 already = sigh. The train has already left when Nina reaches the platform, and from her heart comes one long sigh.
Component breakdown
形声 · Meaning + sound
One part gives the meaning, the other gives the sound.
慨 = 忄 heart + 既 already
- 忄 heart meaning
- 既 already sound
The train has already left when Nina reaches the platform, and from her heart comes one long sigh.
How it came to be
The heart gives the meaning and the sign for already gives the sound.
How it is used
- Two threads: to sigh with strong feeling: 感慨 (gǎnkǎi) to be moved to lament; and generous/impassioned: 慷慨 (kāngkǎi) generous / fervent.
- 慷慨解囊 (kāngkǎi-jiěnáng) = to give generously; 慷慨激昂 (kāngkǎi-jī'áng) = fervent and stirring.
- 感慨万千 (gǎnkǎi-wànqiān) = flooded with mixed emotions.