Definitions

jade ring; jade earring; surname

Etymology phono-semantic

jade

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

originally designated a specific type of jade ring or earring, placing it among the many characters invented to classify precious stones and personal ornaments. It is formed as a phono-semantic compound: the left-side (a reduced form of 'jade') is the semantic radical for the material, and the right-side (jù) is the phonetic guiding pronunciation. In modern usage, however, it is almost exclusively a surname , a common drift for classical nouns that once named physical objects. Notably, has no simplified variant; its retention of the complex element sets it apart visually from other jade-signifying characters.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern