Definitions

dùn bin for grain
tún to store; to hoard

Etymology phono-semantic

enclosure

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 囤 is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic radical 囗 (an enclosure) surrounds the phonetic component 屯 (tún/dùn), which also contributes the idea of gathering. Depending on pronunciation, it has two related meanings: as a noun, it refers to a cylindrical bin, often woven from bamboo, used for storing grain; as a verb, it means to hoard or stockpile goods. The enclosure radical aptly represents both the physical container and the act of keeping resources confined.