涵

hán

函 + 氵

Definitions

hán (verb) to contain; to include

hán (noun) culvert

Etymology phono-semantic

water

Semantic: 氵 Phonetic: 函

About

The character 涵 is a phono-semantic compound formed by the water radical 氵 (shuǐ) and the phonetic 函 (hán, meaning box, letter, or to contain). The water radical points to liquids, while 函 provides both the sound and the idea of containment. Originally, it meant being submerged in water. Over time, the meaning shifted toward abstract concepts of containing or encompassing. Today it commonly describes inner qualities (self-restraint, cultural cultivation) and also physical structures like culverts.

Etymology Hide

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他的涵养很好。

Tā de hányǎng hěn hǎo.

His cultivation is very good.

这篇文章内涵深刻。

Zhè piān wénzhāng nèihán shēnkè.

This article has profound connotations.

她的笑容里涵着温暖。

Tā de xiàoróng lǐ hán zhe wēnnuǎn.

Her smile contains warmth.

这个计划涵盖了所有细节。

Zhège jìhuà hángài le suǒyǒu xìjié.

This plan covers all the details.

我们要有海涵的胸怀。

Wǒmen yào yǒu hǎihán de xiōnghuái.

We should have a magnanimous heart.

他的回答含蓄而有力。

Tā de huídá hánxù ér yǒulì.

His response is implicit yet powerful.

这个理论涵括了多种观点。

Zhège lǐlùn hánguò le duō zhǒng guāndiǎn.

This theory encompasses multiple viewpoints.

文化内涵是这座城市的特点。

Wénhuà nèihán shì zhè zuò chéngshì de tèdiǎn.

Cultural connotation is the characteristic of this city.

Related Characters

Component: 函

Component: 氵

涵