About
The character 榷 is a phono-semantic compound with an evolving meaning. Its left component, the wood radical 木, links it to timber or wooden objects. The right component, 隺, provides the pronunciation "que". Originally, it denoted a simple wooden footbridge. Over time, its meaning expanded to include state monopoly or exclusive control of commerce, such as on salt, tea, or liquor. It also developed a sense of deliberation, as seen in the compound 商榷 (shāngquè), meaning to consult or discuss.
Etymology Hide
