Definitions

méng (adjective) indistinct; unclear

Etymology phono-semantic

moon

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "朦" is a phonetic-semantic compound composed of the semantic radical "月" (moon) and the phonetic component "蒙" (meng), with its etymology rooted in depicting dim or obscure moonlight, where "蒙" contributes connotations of covering or blurring. Initially denoting hazy light, its meaning gradually extended to encompass general vagueness or indistinctness, as seen in modern usage within words like "朦胧" for ambiguous visuals or ideas. The traditional form "朦" integrates these components to reflect both pronunciation and associated concepts of obscurity.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

月光非常胧。

Yuèguāng fēicháng ménglóng.

The moonlight is very hazy.

早晨的雾气胧。

Zǎochén de wùqì ménglóng.

The morning fog is hazy.

湖面笼罩着胧的月色。

Húmiàn lǒngzhào zhe ménglóng de yuèsè.

The lake is shrouded in hazy moonlight.

他在胧中看到一个人影。

Tā zài ménglóng zhōng kàndào yī gè rényǐng.

He saw a figure in the haze.

雨后的城市显得格外胧。

Yǔ hòu de chéngshì xiǎnde géwài ménglóng.

The city after rain appears particularly hazy.

她的记忆就像胧的梦境。

Tā de jìyì jiù xiàng ménglóng de mèngjìng.

Her memory is like a hazy dream.

胧的灯光下,他读完了那封信。

Zài ménglóng de dēngguāng xià, tā dú wánle nà fēng xìn.

Under the dim light, he finished reading the letter.

尽管天色胧,他们还是决定继续登山。

Jǐnguǎn tiānsè ménglóng, tāmen háishì juédìng jìxù dēngshān.

Although the sky was hazy, they still decided to continue climbing the mountain.