Definitions

zhuó (verb) to cut; carve; polish (gems)
zuó (verb) to polish; to deliberate

Etymology phono-semantic

jade

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 琢 is a phono-semantic compound. Its left-side semantic radical 王 (jade) connects it to precious stones, while the right-side component 豖 provides the base pronunciation. Its literal meaning centers on the artisanal process of carving, chiseling, and polishing jade to create intricate ornaments. This meticulous, labor-intensive work of shaping a hard gemstone naturally extends to a figurative meaning: the character describes the careful refinement and intense consideration applied to literary compositions or complex ideas, emphasizing a dedication to continuous improvement and the pursuit of perfection.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我在磨这件事。

Wǒ zài zhuómó zhè jiàn shì.

I am pondering this matter.

工匠玉很精细。

Gōngjiàng zhuó yù hěn jīngxì.

The craftsman carves jade very finely.

我们需要磨新方法。

Wǒmen xūyào zhuómó xīn fāngfǎ.

We need to ponder new methods.

他整天磨如何改进。

Tā zhěngtiān zhuómó rúhé gǎijìn.

He ponders all day how to improve.

这块玉石被成了艺术品。

Zhè kuài yùshí bèi zhuó chéngle yìshùpǐn.

This piece of jade was carved into an artwork.

磨问题需要耐心。

Zhuómó wèntí xūyào nàixīn.

Pondering problems requires patience.

经过反复磨,他找到了答案。

Jīngguò fǎnfù zhuómó, tā zhǎodào le dá'àn.

After repeated pondering, he found the answer.

在专家的精心磨下,这块宝石焕发光彩。

Zài zhuānjiā de jīngxīn zhuómó xià, zhè kuài bǎoshí huànfā guāngcǎi.

Under the expert's careful polishing, this gemstone radiates brilliance.