Definitions

wán (literary) fine white silk; delicate silk fabric

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phono-semantic compound that also serves as the simplified form of . On the left, the radical (the simplified version of ) indicates the semantic domain of silk, threads, and weaving. On the right, functions as the phonetic marker, providing the character's sound. The traditional form uses the full silk radical but is otherwise identical. In terms of meaning, specifically designates a type of extremely fine, tightly woven white silk fabric, long admired for its smoothness and brilliant luster. This meaning extends into the compound 纨绔 ('silk trousers'), a metaphor for the spoiled, luxury-loving sons of aristocrats who never engage in physical work.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern