Definitions

diàn (noun) pad; cushion; mat
diàn (verb) to pad out; to fill a gap
diàn (verb) to advance (money); to pay for someone

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "垫", derived from its traditional form "墊", structurally combines the component "执" suggesting control or handling with "土" meaning earth, etymologically indicating an action related to pressing into the ground. Initially conveying notions of sinking or subsiding, its meaning gradually shifted to describe the placement of a soft material beneath an object to elevate or stabilize it, thus encompassing ideas of cushioning and padding. This semantic development from a downward action to one of support allowed the character to extend into various domains, including financial contexts where it denotes an advance or deposit that serves as a foundational guarantee.

Etymology Hide

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)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我把子放在地板上。

Wǒ bǎ diànzi fàng zài dìbǎn shàng.

I placed the cushion on the floor.

沙发上的坐很柔软。

Shāfā shàng de zuòdiàn hěn róuruǎn.

The cushion on the sofa is very soft.

请在桌子脚下些纸。

Qǐng zài zhuōzi jiǎo xià diàn xiē zhǐ.

Please put some paper under the table leg.

他用书本把显示器高了。

Tā yòng shūběn bǎ xiǎnshìqì diàn gāo le.

He used books to raise the monitor higher.

搬家时上旧衣服防止刮擦。

Bānjiā shí diàn shàng jiù yīfu fángzhǐ guācā.

When moving, pad with old clothes to prevent scratches.

公司先为项目付了启动资金。

Gōngsī xiān wèi xiàngmù diànfù le qǐdòng zījīn.

The company advanced the startup funds for the project.

这个护腕可以在手腕下面。

Zhège hùwàn kěyǐ diàn zài shǒuwàn xiàmiàn.

This wrist guard can be padded under the wrist.

他为团队资的行为值得称赞。

Tā wèi tuánduì diànzī de xíngwéi zhídé chēngzàn.

His act of providing funds for the team is commendable.