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Simplified · Today

Shuowen

Spicy. The character combines 辛 (needle/sharp) with 束 (bundle), the former evoking the piercing, needle-like sensation on the tongue that defines pungent flavor, while the latter provides phonetic value. This character emerged later in the script's evolution, replacing earlier forms that directly depicted the burning sensation of peppery taste, which the ancient Chinese characterized as a "sharp" feeling analogous to being pricked.

Pinyin

· HSK 1