Definitions

luán surname Luan
luán Koelreuteria paniculata

Etymology phono-semantic

tree

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

(traditional: ) is a phono-semantic compound originally coined to name the goldenrain tree, a deciduous tree native to East Asia and noted for its yellow flowers. The semantic indicator is the wood radical at the bottom, placing the character in the category of trees or woody plants. The upper part of the simplified character derives from the complex traditional phonetic , providing the pronunciation "luan". In addition to its botanical meaning, is widely used as a Chinese surname, but it does not function as a general adjective or verb in standard vocabulary.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern