Definitions

xián (verb) to hold in mouth; to bite
xián (verb) to harbor (feelings)
xián (noun) title; rank

Etymology phono-semantic

metal

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "衔", traditionally written as "銜", combines the "金" component for metal and "行" for going, directly relating to its earliest known meaning as a horse's bit. Over time, the character acquired verbal meanings like to hold in the mouth, and later abstract nouns such as title or rank, as in "职衔" (official title). The simplified form "衔" maintains these elemental references through its "钅" and "彳" components, while the meaning shifted from concrete to abstract uses.

Example Sentences Hide

小狗着一根骨头。

Xiǎo gǒu xián zhe yī gēn gǔtou.

The puppy is holding a bone in its mouth.

这两段路接得很好。

Zhè liǎng duàn lù xiánjiē de hěn hǎo.

These two sections of road are well connected.

他有一个高级头

Tā yǒu yīgè gāojí tóuxián.

He has a high-ranking title.

鸟儿来树枝筑巢。

Niǎo er xián lái shùzhī zhù cháo.

The bird brings twigs in its mouth to build a nest.

铁路桥接着城市的南北两部分。

Tiělù qiáo xiánjiē zhe chéngshì de nán běi liǎng bùfen.

The railway bridge connects the north and south parts of the city.

他心中着深深的怨恨。

Tā xīnzhōng xián zhe shēnshēn de yuànhèn.

He harbors deep resentment in his heart.

船长着烟斗,凝视着远方的大海。

Chuánzhǎng xián zhe yāndǒu, níngshì zhe yuǎnfāng de dàhǎi.

The captain holds a pipe in his mouth, gazing at the distant sea.

这项政策旨在接口岸贸易与内陆物流的发展。

Zhè xiàng zhèngcè zhǐ zài xiánjiē kǒu'àn màoyì yǔ nèilù wùliú de fāzhǎn.

This policy aims to connect port trade with inland logistics development.