About
The character "檀" is structured with the semantic component 木 for wood and the phonetic component 亶, originally denoting a type of aromatic hardwood tree such as sandalwood. Its early meaning focused specifically on the tree and its durable, fragrant timber used for carving and incense. Over time, the term expanded to refer to objects crafted from this wood, and it was adopted in Buddhist contexts to render the Sanskrit "dāna" as "檀那" for almsgiver, incorporating a concept of charity. This linguistic adaptation allowed the character to acquire additional layers in surnames and toponyms, reflecting a gradual extension from its concrete botanical origin to more abstract and cultural applications.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这张桌子是檀木做的。
我最喜欢檀香的味道。
寺庙里弥漫着檀香。
他收藏了一件紫檀木家具。
奶奶的檀香扇非常精美。
这块檀木的纹理清晰美观。
檀香的气息使人内心宁静。
工匠精心雕刻着那块紫檀木。