Definitions
black; mysterious
Etymology
About
The character 玄, in its traditional form identical to its simplified counterpart, is constructed from a component representing a skein of silk or thread, which conceptually ties to its original meaning of dark, deep, or profound color, akin to the dense black of dyed fabric. Etymologically, it extends from this concrete notion of darkness or obscurity into the abstract realm of mystery, profundity, and the arcane, becoming a foundational term in classical Chinese philosophy to describe the ineffable principle underlying the universe. Its structural simplicity, with additional strokes suggesting concealment or depth added to the core thread element, visually reinforces this sense of something subtle and hidden from plain view. Over centuries, its semantic field stabilized around these intertwined ideas of the color black, the abstract concept of profundity, and by extension, that which is mysterious, metaphysical, or abstruse, retaining this layered meaning into modern usage.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
玄关放了一把伞。
这个故事很玄乎。
玄色衣服很流行。
他对玄学感兴趣。
玄妙的音乐让人放松。
这件事背后有玄机。
玄关的设计体现了主人的品味。
玄幻小说充满了想象力和玄妙的情节。