Definitions

xuán black; mysterious

Etymology

Originally the same character as . Similar to , with an distinguishing mark at the top.

About

The character 玄 is an ideograph originally depicting a bundle of dyed silk threads. Its structure visually suggests a hanging thread twisted upon itself, capturing the appearance of silk suspended to dry after immersion in a deep, dark red or black dye. Because this dark coloration made its exact hue difficult to discern, the meaning expanded from a specific dark color to encompass abstract concepts of profundity, mystery, and the esoteric. The character became deeply associated with early Chinese philosophical and religious traditions, particularly Daoism, where it describes the profound, hidden, and unfathomable nature of the universe and ultimate reality.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

关放了一把伞。

Xuánguān fàng le yī bǎ sǎn.

There is an umbrella placed in the entrance.

这个故事很乎。

Zhè gè gùshì hěn xuánhu.

This story is very mysterious.

色衣服很流行。

Xuánsè yīfú hěn liúxíng.

Black clothes are very popular.

他对学感兴趣。

Tā duì xuánxué gǎn xìngqù.

He is interested in metaphysics.

妙的音乐让人放松。

Xuánmiào de yīnyuè ràng rén fàngsōng.

Mysterious music makes people relax.

这件事背后有机。

Zhè jiàn shì bèihòu yǒu xuánjī.

There is a mystery behind this matter.

关的设计体现了主人的品味。

Xuánguān de shèjì tǐxiàn le zhǔrén de pǐnwèi.

The design of the entrance reflects the host's taste.

幻小说充满了想象力和妙的情节。

Xuánhuàn xiǎoshuō chōngmǎn le xiǎngxiànglì hé xuánmiào de qíngjié.

Fantasy novels are full of imagination and mysterious plots.