Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word 才. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word 才, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say 才 in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word 才 you have here. The definition of the word 才 will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of才, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Pictogram (象形) — a sharp peg. Same as 弋 and 尗. See also the top component of 𢦏.
Xu Shen erroneously analyzed this character as a sprout growing from the ground.
Etymology 1
From Proto-Sino-Tibetan*tsa ~ za(“child, offspring, relatives; to come forth (as child at birth); to love; loving”) (STEDT; Schuessler, 2007). "Birth" and "natural characteristic / endowments" are semantically connected, compare 生 (OC*sʰleːŋ, *sreŋs, “live, give birth”) and its derivative 性 (OC*sleŋs, “nature; character; personality; quality”) & 姓 (OC*sleŋs, “family name”). Cognate with 子 ("son").
For pronunciation and definitions of 才 – see 儕 (“(Wu) all; completely; each and every one out of a determinate quantity; always; under all circumstances”). (This character is a variant form of儕).
Etymology 5
For pronunciation and definitions of 才 – see 哉 (“begin, commence; etc.”). (This character is a variant form of哉).
Etymology 6
For pronunciation and definitions of 才 – see 在 (“to exist; to be present; to be alive; to be at; to be in; to be located; etc.”). (This character is an ancient form of在).