Definitions

(adjective) dense; thick (of vegetation)
(adjective) melancholy; depressed
(adjective) elegant; refined

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The simplified character 郁 serves as a phonetic loan for the complex traditional character 鬱, though it originally stood alone as an independent character meaning “elegant” or “refined,” formed from the components 有 and 阝. The traditional 鬱 is structurally dense, incorporating elements such as 林 (forest), which evokes lush, thick vegetation or the strong fragrance of blooming flowers. From this sense of physical density, its meaning extended to describe psychological states, feelings of being pent-up, depressed, gloomy, or emotionally stagnant. The simplified form 郁 now合并这些含义, representing both dense, fragrant environments and heavy, melancholic emotions depending on context.

Example Sentences Hide

金香很美。

Yùjīnxiāng hěn měi.

Tulips are very beautiful.

我今天有点闷。

Wǒ jīntiān yǒudiǎn yùmèn.

I am a little depressed today.

咖啡的味道很浓

Kāfēi de wèidào hěn nóngyù.

The coffee has a rich flavor.

她的眼神中带着忧

Tā de yǎnshén zhōng dàizhe yōuyù.

There is melancholy in her eyes.

他心中结着烦恼。

Tā xīnzhōng yùjiézhe fánnǎo.

He has pent-up worries in his heart.

夏天的夜晚非常热。

Xiàtiān de yèwǎn fēicháng yùrè.

Summer nights are very sultry.

森林里弥漫着浓的木香。

Sēnlín lǐ mímànzhe nóngyù de mùxiāng.

The forest is filled with the rich scent of wood.

长期忧可能导致心理健康问题。

Chángqī yōuyù kěnéng dǎozhì xīnlǐ jiànkāng wèntí.

Long-term melancholy may lead to mental health issues.