About
The character 案 is a phono-semantic compound originally referring to a wooden piece of furniture before its meaning expanded into legal and administrative realms. The lower component, the wood radical 木, serves as the semantic element, indicating the object was traditionally made from timber. The upper part is 安 (ān), which provides the phonetic pronunciation. Historically, 案 denoted a long, narrow wooden table or desk used for serving food or conducting official writing. Since such desks were primarily used by magistrates for reviewing documents, the meaning gradually extended to encompass official records, legal cases, criminal files, and formal proposals.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
方案已经确定下来了。
警方正在调查这个案件。
他把重要文件放在档案柜里。
这个案子由王律师负责处理。
我们需要一个更详细的提案。
他伏案工作了一整个下午。
这件历史悬案终于真相大白。
该项目案卷保存了完整的决策记录。