Definitions

méi (literary) shore; coast; bank

Etymology phono-semantic

water

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "湄" is structurally composed of the water radical combined with the component "眉", which functions phonetically while also evoking a semantic connection to borders or margins, much like eyebrows frame the eyes. Etymologically, it originally designated the vegetated bank of a river or the shoreline where water and land converge, a meaning that has been consistently maintained throughout its historical use. Over time, its application has largely been preserved within literary and poetic domains, where it continues to describe waterside landscapes without substantial deviation from its core conceptual focus.

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.