Definitions

shū to comb; (bound form) a comb

Etymology phono-semantic

wood

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "梳" is structured as a phono-semantic compound, integrating the semantic component "木" for wood, which points to the material traditionally used for making combs, with the phonetic component "疏" that indicates its pronunciation while also evoking the image of spaced teeth akin to dredging or separating. This construction has anchored the character's core meanings as both a noun for the grooming implement and a verb for the action of untangling and arranging hair. Throughout its historical usage, the character has preserved these linked meanings without notable alteration, reflecting a consistent lexical purpose grounded in its etymological design.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我每天早上头。

Wǒ měitiān zǎoshang shū tóu.

I comb my hair every morning.

妈妈用头发。

Māma yòng shūzi shū tóufa.

Mom combs her hair with a comb.

这把子很柔软。

Zhè bǎ shūzi hěn róuruǎn.

This comb is very soft.

头后,她照了照镜子。

Shū tóu hòu, tā zhào le zhào jìngzi.

After combing her hair, she looked in the mirror.

为了参加聚会,她仔细头。

Wèile cānjiā jùhuì, tā zǐxì shū tóu.

To attend the party, she combed her hair carefully.

他用理凌乱的头发。

Tā yòng shūzi shūlǐ língluàn de tóufa.

He uses a comb to tidy his messy hair.

头不仅能保持发型,还能放松心情。

Shū tóu bùjǐn néng bǎochí fàxíng, hái néng fàngsōng xīnqíng.

Combing hair not only maintains the hairstyle but also relaxes the mood.

如果你每天头五分钟,你会发现头发更有光泽。

Rúguǒ nǐ měitiān shū tóu wǔ fēnzhōng, nǐ huì fāxiàn tóufa gèng yǒu guāngzé.

If you comb your hair for five minutes every day, you will find your hair more glossy.