Definitions

ēn (noun) kindness; favor; grace
ēn (verb) to show kindness; to bestow favor

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "恩", signifying kindness or favor, is structurally formed from the component "因", which serves a phonetic role and carries connotations of cause or basis, combined with the semantic radical "心", representing heart or mind, thereby linking the concept to internal sentiment. Etymologically, this composition reflects an early understanding of kindness as a heartfelt benevolence that establishes a basis for social bonds. Historically, its meaning broadened from denoting personal affection to include formal acts of grace, such as imperial patronage, while maintaining core associations with gratitude and moral indebtedness, as seen in compounds like "感恩". The character's traditional form, comprising "因" and "心", has remained consistent without structural alteration.

Etymology Hide

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)
Seal etymology image
Seal 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)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我感我的父母。

Wǒ gǎn'ēn wǒ de fùmǔ.

I am thankful to my parents.

情永远难忘。

Ēnqíng yǒngyuǎn nánwàng.

Kindness is never forgotten.

我们要报答人。

Wǒmen yào bàodá ēnrén.

We must repay our benefactor.

惠来自朋友。

Ēnhuì láizì péngyou.

Kindness comes from friends.

这是上帝的赐。

Zhè shì Shàngdì de ēncì.

This is a gift from God.

师教导我很多。

Ēnshī jiàodǎo wǒ hěnduō.

My respected teacher taught me a lot.

他对我们有大

Tā duì wǒmen yǒu dà ēn.

He has great kindness towards us.

他们的爱令人羡慕。

Tāmen de ēn'ài lìng rén xiànmù.

Their conjugal love is enviable.