About
The character "眷" is etymologically constructed from the semantic component "目", meaning eye, and the phonetic component "龹", which together originally conveyed the idea of looking or gazing, establishing a foundation in visual attention. This association with sight led to early meanings involving turning one's gaze or glancing back, which gradually acquired connotations of affectionate regard and nostalgic recollection, shifting from mere physical observation to emotional engagement. Over time, its semantic scope expanded beyond visual acts to encompass the care and concern for those within one's purview, thereby evolving to denote family dependents or relatives, a meaning rooted in the metaphor of watching over one's kin. Structurally, the character has retained its traditional form, with the eye radical continuously emphasizing the visual origin, while the phonetic component aids in pronunciation, reflecting a consistent yet adaptable design. The transformation in meaning from literal sight to metaphorical kinship and cherished memory demonstrates how the character's composition and historical usage interact to shape its layered significance within the Chinese lexicon.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他的家属都很健康。
我们十分眷恋故乡的山水。
公司为员工家属提供了福利。
这份眷顾之情，我将永远铭记在心。
他对这片土地有着难以割舍的眷恋。
她眷眷不忘的是童年时的美好回忆。
这份深厚的眷注，给了他前进的勇气。
在异国他乡，他对亲人的眷念与日俱增。