Dynamic categorization of word meanings in the individual semantic category of the Chinese character <i>jie</i> (解)

Abstract This study investigates the diachronic semantic evolution of the Chinese character jie (解) guided by dynamic categorization theory. It aims to trace the pathway from a concrete action verb to a modal auxiliary and to identify the cognitive mechanisms that drive each stage. Methodologically, this research adopts a diachronic and qualitative analysis using three tagged sub-corpora of the Academia Sinica Ancient Chinese Corpus. The findings reveal that jie follows three stages of dynamic categorization: (1) it underwent conservative gradual change within its category, driven by the base/profile mechanism; (2) it extended across similar or adjacent categories via metaphor and metonymy, shifting from physical actions to abstract concepts; (3) it experienced decategorization driven by metaphor and metonymy, grammaticalizing into an auxiliary verb expressing ability, possibility, and inevitability. The study concludes that dynamic categorization theory provides a robust framework for explaining the full semantic trajectory of jie , demonstrating its explanatory power beyond classical and prototype theories. This study not only illuminates the dynamic nature of Chinese lexical semantics but also offers theoretical insights for future research on semantic evolution.