四 (sì)

Etymology

In ancient texts the character 亖 (four horizontal strokes) was used. The current form 四 depicts breathing through the nose and is the original form of 呬. The use of 四 as a number is a phonetic loan.

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》：“四，陰數也。象四分之形。，古文四。亖，籀文四。”

Example sentences

1. 下午四点。 — At four o'clock in the afternoon.
2. 周四再见！ — Until Thursday!
3. 你有四只狗。 — You have four dogs.
4. 他年近四十。 — He is near forty.
5. 现在四点整。 — It's now exactly four o'clock.

View all 50 example sentences for 四 →