Definitions

zhuō noticeable; large; clear; distinct; Taiwan pr. [zhuó]

Etymology phono-semantic

person

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character combines the person radical () on the left with the phonetic (zhuó) on the right, which supplies the sound and a sense of loftiness or brilliance. It originally indicated a person of great distinction or striking presence. Its meaning has consistently centered on clarity, expansiveness, and remarkableness. Over time, it came to describe anything substantial or grand, often in classical literature to depict vast and clear scenes. Rare in everyday use today, it persists as a formal literary or poetic term for grandeur.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern