Definitions

zhǎn (verb) to behead; to chop; to cut off

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the sound and represents the meaning. Simplified from .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "斩" originates from the conceptual fusion of "cart" and "axe", evident in its traditional form "斬", where these elements jointly convey the act of chopping or beheading, a meaning historically linked to methods of execution involving blades or crushing devices. The axe component provides the core idea of severing, while the cart element likely alludes to the use of chariots in punitive contexts, reinforcing the notion of forceful separation. Over time, its semantic scope expanded beyond physical dismemberment to include abstract applications, such as abruptly terminating connections or rendering decisive judgments. The character's graphical development led to a form that maintains the axe component but adapts the cart element into a streamlined representation, consistently underscoring its association with cutting or resolving with finality.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他用刀断树枝。

Tā yòng dāo zhǎn duàn shùzhī.

He used a knife to cut off the tree branch.

勇士杀了凶恶的敌人。

Yǒngshì zhǎn shā le xiōng'è de dírén.

The warrior slew the vicious enemy.

这位选手获了三枚奖牌。

Zhè wèi xuǎnshǒu zhǎn huò le sān méi jiǎngpái.

This contestant won three medals.

厨师鸡骨的动作很熟练。

Chúshī zhǎn jīgǔ de dòngzuò hěn shúliàn.

The chef's action of chopping chicken bones is very skilled.

战争断了两国间的贸易。

Zhànzhēng zhǎn duàn le liǎng guó jiān de màoyì.

The war severed trade between the two countries.

他的新发明获了巨额投资。

Tā de xīn fāmíng zhǎn huò le jù'é tóuzī.

His new invention secured huge investments.

激光能够断坚硬的合金材料。

Jīguāng nénggòu zhǎn duàn jiānyìng de héjīn cáiliào.

Laser can cut through hard alloy materials.

政府决心断腐败的利益链条。

Zhèngfǔ juéxīn zhǎn duàn fǔbài de lìyì liàntiáo.

The government is determined to cut off the corruption interest chain.