Definitions

juǎn (verb) to roll up; to roll
juàn (noun) scroll; book; volume; chapter; exam paper
juǎn (verb) to sweep up; to carry on

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the sound and represents the meaning.

About

The character "卷" derives from a structural composition where the lower element "㔾" evolved from a symbol representing a kneeling figure, thus implying a curled or bent posture, while the upper component "龹" primarily served a phonetic role but also contributed to the notion of turning or winding. Initially denoting the physical action of rolling or coiling, its meaning quickly expanded to encompass the objects subjected to this action, particularly the bamboo and silk scrolls used for written records, thereby acquiring the nominal sense of a scroll or a rolled document. This semantic development continued as the character came to refer to chapters or volumes of books, standardized test papers, and even culinary forms like rolled pastries, illustrating a gradual transition from describing an activity to labeling items characterized by that same rolled shape. The traditional form, maintaining this same arrangement of components, historically encapsulated both the verbal and nominal uses, with its constituent parts persistently evoking the core concepts of bending and gathering.

Example Sentences Hide

他把纸起来。

Tā bǎ zhǐ juǎn qǐlái.

He rolls up the paper.

这是一胶带。

Zhè shì yī juǎn jiāodài.

This is a roll of tape.

这本书共有三

Zhè běn shū gòng yǒu sān juàn.

This book has three volumes.

考试子很难。

Kǎoshì juànzi hěn nán.

The exam paper is very difficult.

头发很漂亮。

Tā juǎn tóufa hěn piàoliang.

Her curled hair is very pretty.

他正在一份重要的文件。

Tā zhèngzài juǎn yī fèn zhòngyào de wénjiàn.

He is rolling up an important document.

这场竞争越来越了。

Zhè chǎng jìngzhēng yuè lái yuè juǎn le.

This competition is becoming more and more intense.

阅读这份宗需要耐心。

Yuèdú zhè fèn juànzōng xūyào nàixīn.

Reading this case file requires patience.