Meaning
宜 expresses appropriateness or suitability for a particular situation or purpose. It often appears in formal or written contexts to indicate what is fitting, proper, or advisable. The character can function as both an adjective meaning 'suitable' and as a modal verb meaning 'ought to' or 'should.'
Usage
宜 is more commonly found in formal writing, official notices, literary texts, and classical expressions than in everyday spoken Mandarin. Native speakers frequently encounter it in set phrases like 事不宜迟 (no time to delay) or in place names like 宜昌. In modern spoken Chinese, 应该 or 合适 are more common for expressing 'should' or 'suitable.'
Examples
- 01这个季节不宜游泳。.This season is not suitable for swimming.
- 02事不宜迟，我们马上出发吧。, .There's no time to delay; let's set off right away.
Common collocations
- 事不宜迟no time to delay, the matter brooks no delay
- 不宜not suitable, inadvisable
- 相宜mutually suitable, harmonious
- 适宜suitable, appropriate
Antonyms
Origin
The character 宜 originally depicted meat (肉) under a roof (宀), suggesting the idea of household provisions being appropriate or fitting. Over time it evolved to represent general suitability and appropriateness.