乞 qǐ to beg
to beg; to request
How it came to be
象形 · Pictogram · 假借 borrowed for its sound
A drawing of the thing it means.
Originally: vapour
This is a variant of the air character, set apart to write the word to beg, which was borrowed for its sound.
用法
- To beg, for money or, formally, for a favor: 乞讨 (qǐtǎo) to beg for alms, 乞求 (qǐqiú) to plead for.
- Stronger and more abject than 请求 (to request): 乞 implies pleading from a position of need.
- Written register; the everyday noun is 乞丐 (qǐgài) beggar.