Definitions
extending all the way across; running all the way through
Etymology
Originally written the same as 回 (return). Later lines were added above and below to distinguish the two characters.
About
The character "亘" derives from an early ideographic representation of continuity, conceptually depicting something stretched between two points, often associated with the sun's daily arc across the heavens, which is reflected in its structure combining the element for sun "日" enclosed between horizontal lines. This composition inherently conveys the sense of spanning across either time or space, leading to its classical meaning of extending or enduring without interruption. Over its historical development, the character's application shifted from primarily describing physical breadth to emphasizing temporal persistence, as seen in enduring literary compounds like "亘古", which denotes "since ancient times". The traditional form "亙" features a similar structural basis with minor graphical differences, yet both iterations consistently communicate the core idea of extension, and its semantic range has remained largely focused on concepts of permanence and vastness throughout the written record.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这个故事亘古流传。
他的爱亘古不变。
那段历史横亘在两国之间。
一条大河亘穿这片平原。
亘古的谜题等待解答。
连绵的山脉亘在其边境。
这种精神亘贯了整个民族的发展史。
那些古老的传说似乎亘久地萦绕在这片土地上。