誓 shì to swear
to swear; to pledge; oath
How to remember 誓: 折 to break + 言 words = to swear. Dad has let the kids down before, so this time he promises not to break his word and lifts his hand to swear it.
Component breakdown
誓 = 折 to break + 言 words
- 折 to break
- 扌 hand
- 斤 catty
- 言 words
Dad has let the kids down before, so this time he promises not to break his word and lifts his hand to swear it.
How it is used
- 'To swear/vow; an oath' - 发誓 (fāshì) to vow, 宣誓 (xuānshì) to take a formal oath (office, court, military), 誓言 (shìyán) an oath/pledge, 誓死 (shìsǐ) to swear to the death.
- 发誓 is a personal vow; 宣誓 is a formal, public oath-taking ceremony.