About
The character 桢, with its traditional form 楨, is a phono-semantic compound. The left-side radical 木 (mù) indicates its connection to trees, while the right-side component 贞 (zhēn), simplified from 貞, provides the phonetic element. Originally, it denoted specific evergreen hardwoods like the Chinese privet, valued for their dense, durable wood. This timber was historically used for the main support pillars in traditional wooden architecture. From this practical use, the character extended metaphorically to mean a foundational pillar of the state or a crucial societal support, though modern usage is largely confined to botanical terms and personal names.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
李桢是我的好朋友。
王桢今天来了。
这种木头是桢楠。
桢楠树很高大。
他是团队的桢干。
虽然李桢很忙，但他还是来了。
桢楠是一种珍贵的木材。
由于桢楠的稀缺性，它的价格非常昂贵。