Definitions

(verb) to bathe; to take a bath
(noun) bath

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "浴", representing the concept of bathing, is etymologically constructed from the water radical on the left, which directly associates it with liquid, and the component "谷" on the right, functioning primarily as a phonetic guide but also evoking the image of a contained space like a valley, thereby conceptually framing the act of bathing as an immersion within a defined volume of water. Its core meaning has remained consistently tied to washing or cleansing with water, while over time it has acquired metaphorical extensions in literary and compound formations, such as in "浴血" to describe being engulfed in conflict or "浴火" implying a transformative trial, thus expanding its usage into abstract realms of experience while retaining its foundational aquatic reference. The structural synergy between its semantic and phonetic elements has ensured a stable representation of its original intent throughout the character's historical employment.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Spring and Autumn (771-476 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

室里有一个缸。

Yùshì li yǒu yī gè yùgāng.

There is a bathtub in the bathroom.

他用巾擦干身体。

Tā yòng yùjīn cā gān shēntǐ.

He dries his body with a bath towel.

后我觉得很舒服。

Mùyù hòu wǒ juéde hěn shūfu.

After bathing, I feel very comfortable.

商店里卖各种沐露。

Shāngdiàn li mài gè zhǒng mùyùlù.

The store sells various shower gels.

夏天我们去海边做海水

Xiàtiān wǒmen qù hǎibiān zuò hǎishuǐyù.

In summer, we go to the seaside for sea bathing.

日光对健康有好处。

Rìguāngyù duì jiànkāng yǒu hǎochù.

Sunbathing is good for health.

这个场设施非常齐全。

Zhège yùchǎng shèshī fēicháng qíquán.

This bathing place has very complete facilities.

在温泉中放松身心是一种享受。

Zài wēnquányù zhōng fàngsòng shēnxīn shì yī zhǒng xiǎngshòu.

Relaxing body and mind in a hot spring bath is a kind of enjoyment.