About
The character "抹" is structured as a phono-semantic compound, combining the hand radical (扌) to denote manual action with the phonetic component "末" which provides its pronunciation, originally conveying meanings associated with wiping, smearing, or applying by hand. Over time, its semantic range expanded to include related actions such as erasing or spreading substances thinly, reflecting an adaptation to describe both physical and metaphorical applications of hand motions. The consistency of its form across historical periods underscores a direct link between its etymological construction and its functional meanings, with the components continuing to clearly signal its auditory and conceptual associations.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我用抹布擦桌子。
他在墙上涂抹颜料。
请抹掉黑板上的字。
我喜欢喝抹茶拿铁。
我们不能抹杀他的功劳。
不要抹黑别人的名声。
时间抹不去美好的回忆。
她用精致的抹刀涂抹奶油。