About
As a phono-semantic compound, 玺 has the phonetic component 尔 on top and the semantic jade radical 玉 on the bottom, indicating its meaning as a precious stone object. Its traditional form, 璽, uses the unsimplified 爾 in the same position. The character specifically refers to an imperial seal, the stamp carved from fine jade used by emperors to authenticate official state documents. Consequently, the jade radical directly reflects the material of this supreme symbol of authority. Today, its usage is confined to historical contexts, discussions of imperial artifacts, and formal terminology regarding sovereign power.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这块玉玺非常古老。
玉玺是古代皇帝的印章。
博物馆里陈列着一方金玺。
他在古籍中读到了传国玉玺的故事。
考古学家希望能找到失踪的玉玺。
这方玉玺的发现震惊了历史学界。
玉玺不仅是一件文物，更是权力的象征。
经过专家鉴定，这方玺印确属秦代文物。