Definitions

méi (literary) shore; coast; bank

Etymology phono-semantic

water

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "湄" is structured with the water radical (氵) alongside the component "眉", which historically functioned as a phonetic element. Etymologically, it originates from the concept of a water margin, specifically denoting the bank where land meets a river or lake. In classical Chinese texts, it was employed to refer to such shores, and its meaning has consistently focused on this aquatic boundary without significant alteration. The character's form has remained unchanged in its basic composition.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

公河很长。

Měigōng hé hěn cháng.

The Mekong River is very long.

我们看到了公河。

Wǒmen kàn dào le Měigōng hé.

We saw the Mekong River.

公河流经六个国家。

Měigōng hé liú jīng liù gè guójiā.

The Mekong River flows through six countries.

长满了青草。

Hé méi zhǎng mǎn le qīngcǎo.

The riverbank is covered with green grass.

她在水等待朋友。

Tā zài shuǐ méi děngdài péngyou.

She waits for her friend at the water's edge.

公河三角洲物产丰富。

Měigōng hé sānjiǎo zhōu wùchǎn fēngfù.

The Mekong River Delta has abundant products.

这座桥梁连接公河两岸。

Zhè zuò qiáoliáng liánjiē Měigōng hé liǎng àn.

This bridge connects both banks of the Mekong River.

岸的风景非常优美。

Méi àn de fēngjǐng fēicháng yōuměi.

The scenery on the riverbank is very beautiful.