Definitions

xūn (verb) to smoke; to fumigate
xūn (verb) to assail the nostrils; to give off strong smell
xūn (adjective) fragrant; warm

Etymology

Depicts fragrant herbs inside a bag (). The (fire) component was later added to emphasize that fragrant herbs were usually smoked with fire.

Semantic:

About

The character "熏" derives from an early representation of smoke ascending from fire, with its structure conceptually combining elements indicative of both flame and the residual blackening it produces. Its original meaning centered on the process of fumigation or smoking, particularly in contexts like food preservation where smoke was applied directly. Over time, this literal application gave way to broader semantic layers, including the figurative sense of a pervasive influence or atmosphere slowly saturating its surroundings, and later, more temperate associations such as describing a gently warming wind. The character's form has remained consistent, reflecting its enduring link to these foundational concepts without structural alteration or simplification.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

肉很美味。

Xūn ròu hěn měiwèi.

Smoked meat is very delicious.

烟雾得我流泪。

Yānwù xūn de wǒ liúlèi.

The smoke made my eyes water.

厨房里满了腊肉的味道。

Chúfáng lǐ xūn mǎn le làròu de wèidào.

The kitchen was filled with the smell of smoked bacon.

这种香薰有助眠效果。

Zhè zhǒng xiāngxūn yǒu zhù mián xiàoguǒ.

This kind of aromatic熏 has a sleep-aid effect.

长期吸烟会黑肺部。

Chángqī xīyān huì xūn hēi fèibù.

Long-term smoking will blacken the lungs.

他被名利昏了头脑。

Tā bèi mínglì xūn hūn le tóunǎo.

His mind was clouded by fame and fortune.

茉莉花茶是用茉莉花香制的。

Mòlìhuā chá shì yòng mòlìhuā xiāng xūnzhì de.

Jasmine tea is made by scenting it with the fragrance of jasmine flowers.

这种文化在长期的历史进程中染了一代又一代人。

Zhè zhǒng wénhuà zài chángqī de lìshǐ jìnchéng zhōng xūnrǎn le yīdài yòu yīdài rén.

This culture has influenced and shaped generation after generation throughout its long historical process.