Definitions
(noun)
center; middle
(verb)
to beg; to plead
Etymology
Pictograph of a person (大) with a cangue (torture device for punishing criminals) around his neck. People wearing such devices were not able to reach their mouth with their own hands, and were forced to beg for food.
About
The character "央" is structurally composed of "大", representing a person or something large, and "冂", indicating an enclosure, which collectively convey the concept of being centrally located within a defined space. Its etymology aligns with an initial meaning of "center" or "middle", as reflected in early textual evidence. Over time, the character's semantic application expanded beyond spatial centrality to acquire the sense of "ending" or "completion" in classical literary contexts, such as in the expression "夜未央" where it refers to the conclusion of the night. Furthermore, in later formations like "央求", it contributes the meaning of pleading or entreating, illustrating a functional shift from denoting a physical position to engaging in verbal actions.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
公园在城市的中央。
我经常看央视新闻。
他央求妈妈让他出去玩。
央行宣布了新的政策。
中央政府的决定很重要。
他央告朋友帮助他。
她央求老师再给她一次机会。
中央气象台发布了台风预警。