Definitions
(adjective)
dry; clean
(verb)
to concern; to interfere
(verb)
to do; to manage; to work
(noun)
trunk; main part
Etymology
Pictograph of a type of hunting or military tool.
About
The character 干 functions as a simplified form for two complex traditional characters, 乾 (dry) and 幹 (to do; stem), while also retaining its original meaning as a shield. The earliest form of 干 depicted a defensive shield or forked weapon, representing primary combat equipment. The traditional character 乾 is composed of 龺 and 乞, conveying a state of dryness or the concept of heaven. Meanwhile, 幹 incorporates a tree-trunk semantic element, indicating a main body or the action of working. As a result, the modern character 干 covers distinct meanings, ranging from dryness to performing a task, that vary with pronunciation and context.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这个房间很干净。
爸爸在院子里干活。
冬天的空气很干燥。
不要干扰别人学习。
他是一名基层干部。
他干脆地拒绝了邀请。
让我们为友谊干杯。
这条铁路是南北干线。