Definitions

liǎn sacrificial vessel used for grain offerings; also pr. [lián]

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "琏" originates from ancient Chinese ritual context, where it specifically denoted a type of precious vessel used in ceremonial offerings to ancestors. Its structure combines the jade radical, often presented as 王 in composition, which signifies the material's value, with the component "连" that historically provided phonetic indication and subtly conveyed the idea of continuity within rites. Over time, the term's primary reference to this physical artifact receded from common use, but the character was adopted into personal names, where it perpetuates associations with preciousness and familial lineage. The traditional form "璉" retains the full jade radical 玉, highlighting the ritual object's inherent sanctity, while the simplified "琏" preserves the core structural relationship, reflecting a gradual shift in application from tangible ritual object to a lexical element carrying symbolic weight.

Example Sentences Hide

是红楼梦的人物。

Jiǎ Liǎn shì hónglóu mèng de rénwù.

Jia Lian is a character in Dream of the Red Chamber.

的故事很有趣。

Jiǎ Liǎn de gùshì hěn yǒuqù.

Jia Lian's story is very interesting.

他的名字叫王

Tā de míngzì jiào Wáng Liǎn.

His name is Wang Lian.

这个字不太常用。

Liǎn zhè ge zì bù tài chángyòng.

The character '琏' is not very commonly used.

古代有一种玉器叫做

Gǔdài yǒu yī zhǒng yùqì jiàozuò liǎn.

In ancient times, there was a type of jade ware called lian.

字在字典里可以查到。

Liǎn zì zài zìdiǎn lǐ kěyǐ chá dào.

The character '琏' can be found in the dictionary.

虽然字不常见,但它是汉字的一部分。

Suīrán liǎn zì bù chángjiàn, dàn tā shì hànzì de yī bùfen.

Although the character '琏' is not common, it is part of Chinese characters.

在研究中国古代文化时,我们会了解到的用途。

Zài yánjiū zhōngguó gǔdài wénhuà shí, wǒmen huì liǎojiě dào liǎn de yòngtú.

When studying ancient Chinese culture, we will learn about the use of lian.