Definitions

àn (noun) case; file; record
àn (noun) table; desk; counter

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "案" is structured with "安" positioned above "木", a composition that points to its early association with wooden objects, specifically a table or desk used for writing and official work. From this concrete meaning, the term expanded to refer to the documents and records typically handled on such furniture, leading to its use in contexts like legal cases and archival files. Over centuries, its application broadened further to encompass abstract notions such as plans or proposals, while the "木" component continued to anchor its etymological link to wood, and "安" served as a phonetic indicator.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

已经确定下来了。

Fāng'àn yǐjīng quèdìng xiàlái le.

The plan has been finalized.

警方正在调查这个件。

Jǐngfāng zhèngzài diàochá zhège ànjiàn.

The police are investigating this case.

他把重要文件放在档柜里。

Tā bǎ zhòngyào wénjiàn fàng zài dàng'ànguì lǐ.

He put the important documents in the filing cabinet.

这个子由王律师负责处理。

Zhège ànzi yóu Wáng lǜshī fùzé chǔlǐ.

This case is being handled by Lawyer Wang.

我们需要一个更详细的提

Wǒmen xūyào yīgè gèng xiángxì de tí'àn.

We need a more detailed proposal.

他伏工作了一整个下午。

Tā fú'àn gōngzuòle yī zhěnggè xiàwǔ.

He bent over his desk working the entire afternoon.

这件历史悬终于真相大白。

Zhè jiàn lìshǐ xuán'àn zhōngyú zhēnxiàng dàbái.

The truth of this historical cold case has finally come to light.

该项目卷保存了完整的决策记录。

Gāi xiàngmù ànjuàn bǎocúnle wánzhěng de juécè jìlù.

The project archives preserve a complete record of the decision-making.