Definitions

hán (verb) to contain; to include
hán (verb) to keep in mouth; to suck

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "含" is structured with the phonetic component "今" above the semantic radical "口" for mouth, directly indicating its original meaning of holding something within the mouth. Etymologically, this composition conveys the idea of an object being present in the oral cavity, from which the literal sense arose. Over time, the meaning expanded beyond the physical act to encompass abstract notions of containing, embodying, or implying, as seen in compound words referring to inclusion or significance. This semantic broadening allowed the character to adapt to various contexts while maintaining its fundamental graphical form unchanged.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical 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 Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这颗糖不酒精。

Zhè kē táng bù hán jiǔjīng.

This candy contains no alcohol.

水果里有丰富的维生素。

Shuǐguǒ lǐ hányǒu fēngfù de wéishēngsù.

Fruits contain abundant vitamins.

她说话时眼中着泪水。

Tā shuōhuà shí yǎn zhōng hán zhe lèishuǐ.

Her eyes held tears as she spoke.

这种材料具有很好的水性。

Zhè zhǒng cáiliào jùyǒu hěn hǎo de hán shuǐ xìng.

This material has excellent water retention.

蓄地表达了自己的意见。

Tā hánxù de biǎodále zìjǐ de yìjiàn.

He expressed his opinion in an implicit manner.

这个方案包了大家的所有建议。

Zhège fāng'àn bāohánle dàjiā de suǒyǒu jiànyì.

This plan incorporates everyone's suggestions.

我们需要分析这段文字的隐意义。

Wǒmen xūyào fēnxī zhè duàn wénzì de yǐnhán yìyì.

We need to analyze the implied meaning of this passage.

土壤的养分量直接影响作物生长。

Tǔrǎng de yǎngfèn hánliàng zhíjiē yǐngxiǎng zuòwù shēngzhǎng.

The nutrient content of the soil directly affects crop growth.