Definitions

excellence; luster of gems

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phonosemantic compound: the left component (jade) places it in the category of precious stones, and the right component gives the pronunciation. The literal sense is fine, flawless jade or the brilliant luster of a gem. Because jade is culturally tied to moral purity, the meaning extended metaphorically to outstanding virtues, human excellence, and inner brilliance, making it a popular choice for given names.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢练习伽。

Wǒ xǐhuān liànxí yǔjiā.

I like practicing yoga.

她每周都上伽课。

Tā měi zhōu dōu shàng yǔjiā kè.

She goes to yoga class every week.

是著名的历史人物。

Zhōu Yú shì zhùmíng de lìshǐ rénwù.

Zhou Yu is a famous historical figure.

伽能改善身体健康。

Yǔjiā néng gǎishàn shēntǐ jiànkāng.

Yoga can improve physical health.

是我的好朋友。

Zhāng Yú shì wǒ de hǎo péngyou.

Zhang Yu is my good friend.

在三国时代很有名。

Zhōu Yú zài sānguó shídài hěn yǒumíng.

Zhou Yu was very famous in the Three Kingdoms era.

练习伽需要耐心和坚持。

Liànxí yǔjiā xūyào nàixīn hé jiānchí.

Practicing yoga requires patience and perseverance.

与诸葛亮都是睿智的军事家。

Zhōu Yú yǔ Zhūgě Liàng dōu shì ruìzhì de jūnshìjiā.

Both Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang are wise military strategists.