About
The character for calf, traditionally written as "犢", is etymologically structured with the semantic component "牛" indicating its bovine association and the phonetic component "賣" historically guiding its pronunciation, and its core meaning of a young cow or ox has been consistently maintained across centuries of written language. While primarily denoting a young bovine, the character has also been utilized in classical idioms to extend its meaning metaphorically, such as in references to offspring or familial devotion. The simplified form "犊" retains the original semantic element but incorporates "卖" as a streamlined phonetic substitute, reflecting a structural modification that preserves both the auditory cues and the conceptual focus of the character without deviating from its established definition.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
农场里有一头牛犊。
小牛犊在草地上吃草。
昨天，我们看到了一群牛犊。
这头黑色的牛犊跑得很快。
农民正在照顾刚出生的牛犊。
母牛护犊是天性。
如果牛犊生病了，农民会请兽医来。
尽管牛犊还很弱小，但它已经能跟随母亲行走。