Definitions

hóng (adjective) great; expansive; magnificent

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the sound and represents the original meaning "loud sound". The meaning later extended to "great", "vast".

About

The character 弘 is structured with the semantic component 弓, meaning "bow", combined with the phonetic component 厶. Its etymology is associated with the concept of a bow's sound extending outward, leading to early meanings of "vast" or "to enlarge". Over time, its application shifted from describing physical expansiveness to encompassing the propagation or enhancement of abstract qualities, such as in the term 弘扬 (hóngyáng), meaning "to promote". The character's form, comprising 弓 and 厶, has remained consistent in its traditional rendition.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们扬中华文化。

Wǒmen hóngyáng Zhōnghuá wénhuà.

We promote Chinese culture.

他有一个大的梦想。

Tā yǒu yī gè hóngdà de mèngxiǎng.

He has a grand dream.

学校扬节约精神。

Xuéxiào hóngyáng jiéyuē jīngshén.

The school promotes the spirit of frugality.

毅是君子的重要品质。

Hóngyì shì jūnzǐ de zhòngyào pǐnzhì.

Determination is an important quality of a gentleman.

他们致力于法利生的事业。

Tāmen zhìlì yú hóngfǎ lìshēng de shìyè.

They are dedicated to the cause of propagating Buddhist teachings and benefiting living beings.

愿的实现需要不懈坚持。

Hóngyuàn de shíxiàn xūyào búxiè jiānchí.

The realization of a great vow requires unremitting perseverance.

这部著作阐了古代哲学的精华。

Zhè bù zhùzuò hóngchǎnle gǔdài zhéxué de jīnghuá.

This work elaborates on the essence of ancient philosophy.

济时艰需要全民共同努力与合作。

Hóng jì shí jiān xūyào quánmín gòngtóng nǔlì yǔ hézuò.

To alleviate current difficulties requires the joint efforts and cooperation of all people.