Definitions

àn (verb) to press; to push
àn (preposition) according to; in light of
àn (verb) to control; to restrain
àn (verb) to check; to refer to

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "按" is structured as a phono-semantic compound, integrating the hand radical on the left to signify manual action with the component "安" on the right, which primarily offers phonetic guidance while subtly conveying notions of stability or restraint. Its etymological foundation lies in the concrete action of pressing down or suppressing, a meaning evident in early textual usage where it described physical force applied with the hand. Over time, this core concept broadened to include related senses such as checking, examining, or holding back, which eventually facilitated more abstract applications like denoting accordance or reference, as seen in modern constructions meaning "according to". This semantic expansion from tangible acts to procedural or metaphorical functions illustrates a natural linguistic adaptation, while the character's form has persisted without alteration, preserving its logical composition.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个钮。

Qǐng àn zhège ànniǔ.

Please press this button.

照说明做。

Ànzhào shuōmíng zuò.

Do it according to the instructions.

时到达学校。

Ànshí dàodá xuéxiào.

Arrive at school on time.

他的方法试试。

Àn tā de fāngfǎ shìshi.

Try it according to his method.

顺序排列这些数字。

Àn shùnxù páiliè zhèxiē shùzì.

Arrange these numbers in order.

法律规定处理此事。

Àn fǎlǜ guīdìng chǔlǐ cǐ shì.

Handle this matter according to legal regulations.

实际情况制定方案。

Àn shíjì qíngkuàng zhìdìng fāng'àn.

Formulate a plan based on actual conditions.

照上级的指示,我们必须时完成工作。

Ànzhào shàngjí de zhǐshì, wǒmen bìxū ànshí wánchéng gōngzuò.

According to the instructions from superiors, we must complete the work on time.