酬 chóu to toast
to toast; to entertain; to reward
怎么记住“酬”: 酉 wine + 州 state = to toast. Pouring wine for his guests from every state, the host raises his glass to toast.
部件结构
形声 · Meaning + sound
One part gives the meaning, the other gives the sound.
酬 = 酉 wine + 州 state
- 酉 wine meaning
- 州 state sound
Pouring wine for his guests from every state, the host raises his glass to toast.
How it came to be
Wine gives the meaning and the right part the sound.
用法
- Core sense is paying someone back: 报酬 (bàochou) reward/pay for work, 薪酬 (xīnchóu) salary and compensation.
- Extends to the social obligation of returning favors: 应酬 (yìngchou) is the wining-and-dining, obligatory socializing of work life, as in 晚上有个应酬 (wǎnshang yǒu ge yìngchou) I've got a work dinner tonight.
- So 报酬 = money for effort, 应酬 = social duty repaid; both are 'giving back' but in different currencies.