Definitions

dūn (adjective) honest; sincere; earnest
dūn (verb) to urge; to press; to persuade

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phono-semantic compound that simplifies the older form . In this structure, the left component supplies the meaning, and the right component (pū) gives the sound. originally depicted a ceremonial vessel used for offerings, which lends the character nuances of sincerity, solidness, and honest intent. Although is commonly a semantic element indicating action or striking, here it serves only a phonetic role. It thus describes steadfast human qualities, earnestness, kindness, generosity, and reliability, and also acts as a verb meaning to urge, encourage, or press others to act.

Example Sentences Hide

促他完成工作。

Qǐng dūcù tā wánchéng gōngzuò.

Please urge him to finish the work.

他的性格非常厚。

Tā de xìnggé fēicháng dūnhòu.

His personality is very honest and sincere.

煌是一个历史名城。

Dūnhuáng shì yīgè lìshǐ míng chéng.

Dunhuang is a historic city.

这个桌子做得很实。

Zhè gè zhuōzi zuò dé hěn dūnshi.

This table is made very sturdy.

两国致力于睦邦交。

Liǎng guó zhìlì yú dūnmù bāngjiāo.

The two countries are committed to fostering friendly diplomatic relations.

我们请专家来讲座。

Wǒmen dūnqǐng zhuānjiā lái jiǎngzuò.

We earnestly invite experts to give lectures.

在他的促下,我改变了主意。

Zài tā de dūcù xià, wǒ gǎibiàn le zhǔyì.

Under his urging, I changed my mind.

政府促市民节约用水,以应对干旱。

Zhèngfǔ dūcù shìmín jiéyuē yòngshuǐ, yǐ yìngduì gānhàn.

The government urges citizens to save water to cope with the drought.