About
炀 (yáng), with the traditional form 煬, is a phono-semantic compound character. The semantic component is the fire radical 火 on the left, placing the character in the realm of heat, flames, and burning. The phonetic component on the right is 𠃓, a simplified version of the traditional 昜 (yáng), which depicts the sun and carries connotations of brightness and warmth. The original meanings of 炀 center on applying intense heat: roasting, warming oneself by a fire, and melting metals. As the character evolved, it did not stray from these core associations with fire and heat. The sun imagery of 昜 reinforces the overall theme of intense heat and light.
Etymology Hide
Example Words
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.