慈

Denotes kindness, benevolence, or mercy. In familial contexts, it specifically describes the love and tenderness of a parent toward a child. In Buddhist contexts (rendering //maitrī//), it refers to universal altruism and the wish for others to be happy, typically appearing in the compound //cíbēi//.

Functions as an attribute/adjective describing a disposition; a noun referring to the quality of kindness; or a verb meaning to treat with tenderness or to grant leniency.

Contrasts with //xiào// (孝), which is the corresponding devotion of a child to a parent. While similar to //rén// (仁), //cí// is more visceral and emotional, suggesting an affective bond rather than a social-cosmic ethical imperative.

Tang-period reading: *dzhiə (Fanqie: 疾之). Semantic variant: U+3935.

The glyph implies a deep-seated, genuine affection rather than formal politeness or social grace. In ritual settings, its presence typically signals an emotional warmth that transcends etiquette.