Definitions
(noun,adjective)
Asia; Asian
(adjective)
second; inferior; sub-
Etymology
Simplified form of 亞. Depicts a wooden structure where coffins are placed. Based on the original meaning "tomb". The current meaning "Asia" is a phonetic loan.
About
The character "亚" originates from its traditional form "亞", which was initially a pictograph depicting a ritual altar or a sequential pattern, leading to its core meaning of "second" or "subordinate". Its structure consolidated into a symmetrical composition of horizontal and vertical strokes, and it consistently denotes secondary status or inferiority, evident in compounds like "亚军" for runner-up. Over centuries, its application broadened to include phonetic transliteration in terms such as "亚洲" for Asia, yet its essential connotation of following in rank or quality remains central to its usage.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他在亚洲出生。
她在比赛中获得亚军。
澳大利亚位于南半球。
哥哥获得了全校亚军。
亚太地区经济很活跃。
我们班在运动会上得了亚军。
这个城市属于亚热带气候。
亚洲文化具有极大的多样性。