Definitions

màn (adjective) handsome; beautiful
màn (adjective) long; extended

Etymology

Depicts a hand () covering () the eye () to gaze far away into the distance.

About

The character 曼, structured with 曰 positioned above 又 in its present form, originated from a concept involving stretching or lengthening, which provided its early meanings of extension and length. This core sense evolved to describe prolonged actions or continuity, and later acquired associations with slowness and delicacy, leading to connotations of grace and charm. In classical usage, 曼 denoted elongation and could describe beautiful appearances, while in modern compounds like 曼妙 and 曼丽, it primarily conveys elegance or attractiveness, illustrating a shift from physical attributes to abstract qualities.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们去谷旅行。

Wǒmen qù Màngǔ lǚxíng.

We are traveling to Bangkok.

她的动作非常妙。

Tā de dòngzuò fēicháng mànmiào.

Her movements are very graceful.

烟雾延到山谷中。

Yānwù mànyán dào shāngǔ zhōng.

The smoke extends into the valley.

声朗诵着诗歌。

Tā mànshēng lǎngsòng zhe shīgē.

He recites poetry in a drawn-out voice.

陀罗是一种宗教符号。

Màntuóluó shì yī zhǒng zōngjiào fúhào.

A mandala is a type of religious symbol.

哈顿是纽约的繁华区域。

Mànhādùn shì Niǔyuē de fánhuá qūyù.

Manhattan is a bustling area of New York.

城队赢得了英超冠军。

Mànchéng duì yíngdé le Yīngchāo guànjūn.

Manchester City team won the Premier League championship.

她的长发延到腰部以下。

Tā de chángfà mànyán dào yāobù yǐxià.

Her long hair extends below her waist.