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" originates from early representations of smoke rising from fire, with its structure incorporating the component "黑" meaning black, reflecting the sooty residue left by smoke. Etymologically, it initially denoted the act of smoking or fumigating, often for purposes like preserving food or imbuing items with aromatic smoke. Over time, its meaning expanded to include any process of flavoring or scenting through smoke exposure, such as in the preparation of teas or meats, and further extended metaphorically to describe exerting a gradual, pervasive influence on people or surroundings. The character's form, consistent in its composition, retains visual elements that associate it with fire and its darkening effects.

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.