Definitions

zēng surname Zeng
zēng silk fabrics
zèng to tie; to bind

Etymology phono-semantic

silk

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a general term for silk fabrics and textiles. The traditional character consists of the silk radical (meaning thread or textiles) on the left and the phonetic component (zēng) on the right. The simplified form replaces with its abbreviated version while leaving intact. Historically, it denoted valuable bolts of silk used as currency, tribute, or luxury goods in ancient economies.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern