“气”字的形义演变与字际关系

Chinese Character 气(Qi)’s Evolution of Form and Meaning and Its Intercharacter Relationships

"气"字始见于商代甲骨文,本为象形,战国曾作从火从气、气亦声或从火既声之形,后世亦有从日从气、气亦声等写法。"气"字语义以综合式引申的方式发展并以辐射式引申为主,语义随引申而逐渐虚化。"气"之字际关系涉及两个层面:一是作单字时的异体、分化、通假,一是作构件时的以"气"示义、以"气"示音。探究"气"字的形义演变与字际关系,有助于书法创作、文献阅读、准确用字。

Chinese Character 气(Qi) was first seen in Shang Dynasty as a hieroglyph and appeared new structures in later periods. The evolutional pattern of 气(Qi)’s meaning is a comprehensive type extension. The intercharacter relationships of 气(Qi) can be divided into two classes-individual and component. It is hoped that the research will be helpful for calligraphy creation, literature reading and accurate use.