辞典
cí diǎn · HSK 5
dictionary
📖 辞典 = words/phrases (辞) + standard reference (典) = dictionary
辞 means words or expressions; 典 means a canonical text or standard work. Together they form a standard reference of words — a dictionary. Compare 词典, which uses 词 (word) for the same meaning.
辞 — 舌 (tongue) + 辛 (bitter/blade)
Originally written 辭, depicting hands sorting tangled threads beside 辛 (a knife or judgment), meaning to settle disputes with words. The modern simplified form replaces the left side with 舌 (tongue), reinforcing the speech sense. Meanings extended from 'legal statement' to 'words, phrases, to take leave.'