Definitions

hūn (noun) twilight; dusk
hūn (verb) to faint; to lose consciousness
hūn (adjective) muddle-headed; confused

Etymology

Depicts the sun () down low () during twilight.

About

The character "昏" etymologically stems from the concept of dusk, with its structure integrating the radical for sun, "日", above the component "氏", which likely originally signified a lower position, together illustrating the sun sinking below the horizon. Initially denoting the period of twilight, its meaning gradually broadened to encompass notions of darkness and obscurity, which then metaphorically applied to states of mental confusion or bewilderment. This semantic development further extended to describe physical conditions such as fainting or unconsciousness, where clarity is diminished. Throughout its history, the character has maintained this composite form, allowing its visual elements to continuously echo its core association with the decline of light while supporting its evolved meanings.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 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 Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

的天空很美丽。

Huáng hūn de tiān kōng hěn měi lì.

The sky at dusk is very beautiful.

他因中暑而倒。

Tā yīn zhòng shǔ ér hūn dǎo.

He fainted due to heatstroke.

病人仍在迷中。

Bìng rén réng zài hūn mí zhōng.

The patient is still in a coma.

熬夜让我头脑沉。

Áo yè ràng wǒ tóu nǎo hūn chén.

Staying up late makes my head feel drowsy.

这个消息令人眩。

Zhè gè xiāo xī lìng rén hūn xuàn.

This news is dizzying.

暗的灯光下读书不好。

Zài hūn àn de dēng guāng xià dú shū bù hǎo.

It's not good to read under dim light.

他被突然的声音吓了。

Tā bèi tū rán de shēng yīn xià hūn le.

He was frightened unconscious by the sudden sound.

黄的月光下,她静静地坐着。

Zài hūn huáng de yuè guāng xià, tā jìng jìng de zuò zhe.

Under the dim yellow moonlight, she sat quietly.