About
The character 粉, structurally composed of the radical 米 (rice) and the phonetic component 分 (to divide), etymologically originates from the concept of pulverized or divided grain, specifically rice flour. This concrete meaning expanded to encompass any substance in a fine, powdered state, such as cosmetic powder or plaster. Over centuries, its semantic field broadened further through metaphorical association with the color and texture of such powders, giving rise to its modern meaning for the color pink. In contemporary usage, this foundational idea of a fine, particulate substance also informs its application in slang, such as referring to powdered drugs or, by a more recent and figurative extension, to ardent supporters or "fans" who constitute a diffuse collective. The traditional form remains identical to the simplified one, preserving its original compositional logic.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
粉色的花很漂亮。
妹妹喜欢草莓味的奶粉。
他把木头磨成了细粉。
她是那位演员的忠实粉丝。
这盒化妆粉的质感很细腻。
墙面粉刷后焕然一新。
社交媒体上有很多美妆博主分享定妆粉的用法。
这些考古发现的谷物已碳化成粉状。