Definitions

yíng ocean

Etymology phono-semantic

water

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "瀛" is structured with the water radical (氵) on the left and the phonetic component "嬴" on the right, indicating its semantic association with water. Etymologically, it originally denoted the sea or ocean in early Chinese texts, often appearing in classical literature and mythological contexts such as the fabled island "瀛洲". Over time, its usage became more restricted to literary or compounded terms, where it maintains its reference to expansive bodies of water, while its general frequency in common language has declined. The character's form has consistently retained these components without significant alteration.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

是日本的别称。

Dōngyíng shì Rìběn de biéchēng.

Dongying is another name for Japan.

洲是传说中的仙岛。

Yíngzhōu shì chuánshuō zhōng de xiāndǎo.

Yingzhou is a mythical fairy island.

这本书介绍了东的文化。

Zhè běn shū jièshào le Dōngyíng de wénhuà.

This book introduces the culture of Japan.

轮船航行在浩瀚的海上。

Lúnchuán hángxíng zài hàohàn de yínghǎi shàng.

The ship sails on the vast ocean.

古代诗人常吟咏洲的美景。

Gǔdài shīrén cháng yínyǒng Yíngzhōu de měijǐng.

Ancient poets often chanted about the beautiful scenery of Yingzhou.

台是北京中南海内的建筑。

Yíngtái shì Běijīng Zhōngnánhǎi nèi de jiànzhù.

Yingtai is a building within Zhongnanhai in Beijing.

他的思想如海般宽广深邃。

Tā de sīxiǎng rú yínghǎi bān kuānguǎng shēnsuì.

His thoughts are as broad and profound as the ocean.

学者们对洲的具体位置争论不休。

Xuézhě men duì Yíngzhōu de jùtǐ wèizhì zhēnglùn bùxiū.

Scholars argue endlessly about the specific location of Yingzhou.