Definitions

hóng clear; vast and deep; classifier for a body of clear water

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

(hóng) is a phonosemantic compound that conveys the attributes of deep, clear, and expansive water. The water radical (shuǐ) on the left identifies the character's semantic domain as water, streams, or pools. The right-hand component (hóng) supplies the pronunciation and suggests 'greatness' or 'magnificence.' The combination captures a profound, sweeping body of clear water, typically a deep pool or a broad, tranquil lake. Beyond its literal meaning of 'deep water,' often serves as a refined poetic measure word for a pool of water or a gleaming surface, illustrating how structure and sense merge to express both physical depth and visual clarity.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern