About
The character 概 is a phono-semantic compound consisting of the semantic component 木, representing wood, and the phonetic component 既. Its earliest attested meaning was a wooden tool used to level grain in measuring containers, implying the act of making a surface even or standard. From this concrete reference, the term acquired abstract connotations, such as "general" or "approximate", by extending the idea of leveling to conceptual uniformity and comprehensiveness, later encompassing senses like "outline" or "to summarize". The structure of the character has consistently retained the 木 and 既 components, with its traditional form being identical in construction to the simplified version.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这个概念很简单。
我对这个地方大概了解。
概况介绍到此结束。
概率论是一门重要的学科。
他的解释概括了所有要点。
这个价格是概不议价的。
请概略说明你的计划。
从宏观角度概括社会发展趋势。