仞

rèn

亻 + 刃

Definitions

rèn unit of length used in ancient times, equal to 7 or 8 Chinese feet 尺[chǐ]

Etymology phono-semantic

Phonetic: 刃

About

A phono-semantic compound, 仞 pairs the semantic radical 亻 (person) with the phonetic 刃. It was an ancient unit of length equal to an adult's arm span, ranging from seven to eight Chinese feet across different periods. This body-based measure often appears in classical literature for water depth, mountain height, and building dimensions. It also functions as a verb meaning to measure or fathom depth.