Definitions

xuàn weep

Etymology phono-semantic

water

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "泫" is structured with the water radical (氵) alongside the component "玄", which provides phonetic guidance and contributes semantic notions of darkness or depth, etymologically pointing to water that glistens or appears profound. Its historical usage has primarily conveyed the action of dripping or trickling, often specifically applied to tears or dew in literary contexts, emphasizing a visual quality of moisture. While the character's form has remained consistent, its meaning has centered on liquid emission with an evocative or descriptive nuance, without expanding into broader abstractions.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern