Meaning
This is a formal, literary word meaning to officially pardon or grant amnesty to someone for their crimes or offenses. It carries strong legal and governmental connotations, referring to official forgiveness from authority figures, especially rulers or the state.
Usage
This word appears primarily in formal, literary, historical, or legal contexts. It's commonly seen in historical texts describing imperial pardons, or in modern legal/political discourse about amnesty. Native speakers rarely use it in everyday conversation, preferring words like 原谅 (yuánliàng) for personal forgiveness.
Examples
- 01皇帝决定大赦天下，庆祝太子诞生。, .The emperor decided to grant a general amnesty to celebrate the birth of the crown prince.
- 02政府宣布特赦部分政治犯。.The government announced a special pardon for some political prisoners.
Common collocations
- 大赦天下to grant general amnesty throughout the land
- 特赦令amnesty decree
- 赦免to pardon, to exempt from punishment
Antonyms
Origin
The character combines 赤 (chì, red) and 攵 (pū, strike/action radical). Historically, pardons were written in red ink or announced with red decrees, symbolizing imperial authority and mercy.