Definitions

méng to hide one's eyes; to feel ashamed

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 𦰋 represents the sound and represents the meaning.

About

is a phonosemantic compound: the element 𦰋 provides the sound, while 'eye' indicates the meaning. 𦰋 itself combines 'grass' with components representing an eye and a cover, reinforcing the idea of obstruction. The character primarily denotes dim or impaired vision, blindness, or darkness. By extension, it also conveys ignorance, confusion, or bewilderment. In historical usage, it often appears in compound words describing dim light or mental obscurity.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern