About
The character 吞 is a phono-semantic compound with the mouth radical 口 at the bottom, indicating an action related to the mouth or consumption, while the upper component 天 (tiān) provides the phonetic element. Its core meaning is the physical act of swallowing food or liquid whole, implying a rapid or forceful intake. This extends to the abstract sense of annexing or completely engulfing something, such as a nation conquering another or a corporation absorbing a smaller rival. It can also describe the suppression of emotions, like swallowing one's pride or holding back grief.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他吞下了药丸。
小猫吞掉了整条鱼。
不要吞下口香糖。
他饿得想吞下一头牛。
巨大的公司吞并了小企业。
他话到嘴边又吞了回去。
这种药物需要整片吞服。
他的野心似乎要吞没整个世界。