Definitions

gōu bamboo frame for drying clothes; bamboo cage

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character combines the bamboo radical () with the phonetic component , indicating a bamboo object pronounced like . In early usage, it referred to a bamboo frame or woven basket used to dry clothes over a fire or to cover a flame. Over time, the meaning shifted from the bamboo apparatus to the fire itself, and today it denotes a campfire or bonfire, often used for light and warmth outdoors.

Etymology Hide

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