Definitions

zhāo (adjective) bright; clear
zhāo (verb) to show clearly; to manifest

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "昭" is structurally composed of the sun radical "日" combined with the phonetic element "召", a formation that etymologically aligns it with qualities of light and clarity. Its original meaning centered on brightness or illustriousness, derived from the conceptual imagery of sunlight making things visible. Over time, this core notion expanded to encompass auxiliary senses of manifestation and making matters evident, as observed in classical texts where it describes both tangible radiance and abstract prominence. The character's form has maintained its integral components throughout its history, supporting a continuous semantic range from literal illumination to figurative demonstration without significant alteration.

Etymology Hide

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 Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他的行动示了诚意。

Tā de xíngdòng zhāoshì le chéngyì.

His actions demonstrate sincerity.

阳光示新的一天开始。

Yángguāng zhāoshì xīn de yī tiān kāishǐ.

Sunlight heralds the start of a new day.

这个标志示着危险。

Zhège biāozhì zhāoshì zhe wēixiǎn.

This sign indicates danger.

雪冤屈需要时间。

Zhāoxuě yuānqū xūyào shíjiān.

Clearing wrongful accusations takes time.

他的罪行彰,难以掩盖。

Tā de zuìxíng zhāozhāng, nányǐ yǎngài.

His crimes are evident and hard to cover up.

告天下,以示公正。

Zhāogào tiānxià, yǐ shì gōngzhèng.

Announce to the world to show justice.

历史示我们不忘过去。

Lìshǐ zhāoshì wǒmen bù wàng guòqù.

History reminds us not to forget the past.

他的成就著,备受尊敬。

Tā de chéngjiù zhāozhù, bèi shòu zūnjìng.

His achievements are prominent, and he is highly respected.