Definitions

luán surname Luan
luán Koelreuteria paniculata

Etymology phono-semantic

tree

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 栾 (traditional: 欒) is a phono-semantic compound naming a specific tree. Its bottom component is the wood radical 木, placing it in the semantic category of trees or woody plants. The upper part of the simplified form derives from the traditional phonetic component 䜌, which provides the pronunciation "luan". Etymologically, it was created to denote the goldenrain tree, a deciduous species native to East Asia known for its yellow flowers. Beyond botany, 栾 is also commonly used as a Chinese surname. Its primary functions are thus to identify this particular tree and to serve as a family name, without extending into general adjectives or verbs in standard usage.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern