verb / noun / bound morpheme HSK 5
to take charge of · to manage · department · division
Meaning
司 is primarily used as a bound morpheme in modern Chinese, meaning to manage, control, or be in charge of something. As a standalone character, it's rare in everyday speech but appears frequently in compound words related to governance, departments, and management roles.
Usage
Most commonly encountered in formal compound words like 公司 (company), 司机 (driver), 上司 (boss), and government department names. Rarely used alone in modern conversation. In classical Chinese, it functioned more independently as a verb meaning 'to manage' or 'to oversee.'
Examples
- 01他在一家大公司工作。.He works at a large company.
- 02我的上司对我很好。.My boss is very good to me.
Common collocations
- 司令commander
- 司长department head
- 司仪master of ceremonies
- 各司其职each person performs their own duty
Origin
Originally depicted a person kneeling and giving orders or managing affairs. The character has ancient roots in official titles and administrative functions.