Definition
介 is a bound form (b.f.) — it never stands alone but appears in compound words. Its core meaning is 'between' or 'to interpose', as in 介入 (to intervene) and 介绍 (to introduce). It also appears in 介意 (to mind, to take offense), 一介 (a mere, used in literary expressions like 一介书生 'a mere scholar'), and 耿介 (upright, honest). Additionally, 介 can refer to armor or shell (介壳). The specific sense depends on the compound.
b.f.
to be situated betweento interpose (bound form, as in 介入, 介绍)to take seriouslyto mind (bound form, as in 介意)armorshell (bound form, as in 介壳)
Examples
- 。Tā bù xǐhuan biérén jiè rù tā de sīshì.He doesn't like others interfering in his private affairs.
- ？Nǐ jiè yì wǒ chōu yān ma?Do you mind if I smoke?
- 。Zhè zuò qiáo jiè yú liǎng zuò shān zhī jiān.This bridge is situated between two mountains.
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