Definitions

diǎn (noun) law; canon; classic text
diǎn (noun) ceremony; ritual
diǎn (verb) to be in charge of; to manage
diǎn (verb) to mortgage; to pawn

Etymology

Depicts two hands () holding a book ().

About

The character "典" is structured from the component "册", meaning book or volume, and "丌", representing a stand or base, which together originally depicted a significant text placed on a pedestal, indicating its early association with authoritative documents such as classical canons or legal codes. Its meaning evolved from these concrete references to important writings to encompass abstract notions of standard models, formal ceremonies, and established rules, leading to its use in terms denoting ceremonies, allusions, and managerial control.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Warring States (~300 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我经常使用字学习。

Wo jingchang shiyong zidian xuexi.

I often use a dictionary to study.

这是一部经小说。

Zhe shi yi bu jingdian xiaoshuo.

This is a classic novel.

学校举办了开学礼。

Xuexiao juban le kaixue dianli.

The school held an opening ceremony.

她是我们班的范学生。

Ta shi women ban de dianfan xuesheng.

She is a model student in our class.

当了家里的古董。

Ta diandang le jiali de gudong.

He pawned the antique from home.

老师讲解了这个历史故。

Laoshi jiangjie le zhege lishi diangu.

The teacher explained this historical allusion.

这座建筑设计得很雅。

Zhe zuo jianzhu sheji de hen dianya.

This building is designed very elegantly.

图书馆藏着珍贵的手稿。

Tushuguan diancang zhe zhengui de shougao.

The library collects precious manuscripts.