Definitions
Etymology phono-semantic
pottery
About
The character 罂 (traditional: 罌) is a phono-semantic compound originally denoting a specific type of container. Its semantic component is the radical 缶 (earthenware), indicating an association with pottery or jars. The phonetic component is 婴 (traditional: 嬰), which contributes the pronunciation "ying" but not its meaning. Historically, 罂 referred to a large, round-bellied ceramic jar with a small mouth, used for storing liquids or grains. In modern usage, it is most commonly encountered in the compound 罂粟 (yǐngsù), meaning "opium poppy", a name likely derived from the resemblance of the poppy seed pod to the traditional jar.