xiè

The character xiè (谢) is a common Chinese surname. It is also used as a verb in Mandarin Chinese, meaning "to thank," "to apologize," or "to decline." As a verb, it expresses gratitude, regret, or refusal. The character itself is composed of two parts: the radical on the left is the "speech" radical (言), indicating a connection to language or communication, and the right side is the phonetic component (射), which provides the pronunciation.

The surname xiè has a long history and is found throughout China and in Chinese communities worldwide. It is considered a relatively common surname. The meaning of the verb "xiè" is context-dependent. When used to express thanks, it is equivalent to "thank you." As an apology, it conveys a sense of regret or remorse. When declining an offer or invitation, "xiè" signifies polite refusal. Understanding the context is crucial for accurately interpreting the usage of this versatile character.