Definitions
(adverb)
once; already; ever; previously
(prefix)
great- (in family relations)
Etymology
Pictograph of a cooking pot. Based on the original meaning "cauldron; cooking pot", now written as 甑. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.
About
The character "曾" presents a complex etymology where its earliest pictographic origins, suggesting a vessel with rising steam, are not immediately apparent in its modern form. Its structure in traditional script consists of components that can be interpreted as a representation of vapors over the sun ("日"), which aligns with its ancient semantic connection to steam or vapor rising. Over time, this concrete meaning was entirely abandoned as the character underwent a significant semantic shift to take on an abstract temporal function, specifically meaning "once" or "formerly" to indicate a past occurrence. Further extending its usage, it also evolved into an adverb used in classical and modern Chinese to intensify negation or question past experiences, translating as "ever" in contexts like "未曾" (have never) or "何曾" (when ever). This journey from a depictive symbol to a grammatical and temporal marker illustrates a clear transition in its conceptual application within the language.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他曾是我的朋友。
我曾经住在上海。
她曾说过那句话。
我们曾一起去旅行。
他曾经是一位著名的医生。
尽管他曾犯过错误，但大家依然原谅了他。
这座城市曾经历过多次战争，如今却繁荣昌盛。
倘若你曾细心观察，便会发现自然界中蕴藏着无数奥秘。