Definitions

shéng (noun) rope

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 绳, derived from its traditional form 繩, structurally combines the silk radical 糸 on the left with the component 黽 on the right, where 黽 historically functioned as a phonetic element. In its simplified iteration, the left side appears as 糹 while the right component is rendered as 黾. Initially denoting a tangible rope or cord made from twisted fibers, the term's semantic range expanded to encompass abstract notions of standard, measure, or criterion, influenced by the practical application of ropes in measuring and marking boundaries. From these nominal meanings, verbal uses emerged, such as to restrain, discipline, or correct, reflecting the instrumental role of ropes in binding and guiding actions.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
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)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这是一条子。

Zhè shì yī tiáo shéngzi.

This is a rope.

子很结实。

Shéngzi hěn jiēshi.

The rope is very sturdy.

我用子绑东西。

Wǒ yòng shéngzi bǎng dōngxi.

I use rope to tie things.

他买了一条新子。

Tā mǎi le yī tiáo xīn shéngzi.

He bought a new rope.

我们需要长子。

Wǒmen xūyào cháng shéngzi.

We need a long rope.

那条子在桌子上。

Nà tiáo shéngzi zài zhuōzi shàng.

That rope is on the table.

如果你有子,我们可以用它来固定帐篷。

Rúguǒ nǐ yǒu shéngzi, wǒmen kěyǐ yòng tā lái gùdìng zhàngpeng.

If you have a rope, we can use it to secure the tent.

为了避免危险,工人们必须检查子的安全性。

Wèile bìmiǎn wēixiǎn, gōngrénmen bìxū jiǎnchá shéngzi de ānquán xìng.

To avoid danger, workers must check the safety of the rope.