Definitions

(verb) to accept; to receive
(verb) to pay (tax, fees)
(prefix) nano- (one billionth)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "纳" originates from its traditional form "納", which is composed of the silk radical (糸) on the left, indicating a connection to threads or textiles, and the phonetic and semantic component "內" on the right, meaning "inside" or "to enter". This structure reflects its early core meanings related to bringing something inward, such as the act of sewing or admitting. Over centuries, its semantic field broadened significantly from these concrete actions to encompass more abstract applications, including the acceptance of people or ideas, the adoption of policies or practices, and the payment of obligations like taxes. The modern simplified form "纳" retains the silk radical but substitutes the right side with "内", a common simplification pattern that preserves the original phonetic hint while streamlining the character's structure.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical 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)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我采了你的建议。

Wǒ cǎinà le nǐ de jiànyì.

I adopted your suggestion.

按时税是公民的义务。

Ànshí nàshuì shì gōngmín de yìwù.

Paying taxes on time is a citizen's duty.

他把新成员入了团队。

Tā bǎ xīn chéngyuán nàrù le tuánduì.

He incorporated the new member into the team.

这个结论是归了大量数据后得出的。

Zhège jiélùn shì guīnà le dàliàng shùjù hòu dé chū de.

This conclusion was drawn after summarizing a large amount of data.

这种面料具有优异的吸湿排汗性能。

Zhè zhǒng miànliào jùyǒu yōuyì de xīshī páihàn xìngnéng.

This fabric has excellent moisture-wicking properties.

博物馆珍藏了许多古代收文物的器皿。

Bówùguǎn zhēncáng le xǔduō gǔdài shōunà wénwù de qìmǐn.

The museum houses many ancient vessels used for storing artifacts.

我们需要调整策略,以吸更多的优秀人才。

Wǒmen xūyào tiáozhěng cèlüè, yǐ xīnà gèng duō de yōuxiù réncái.

We need to adjust our strategy to attract more outstanding talents.

百川的胸怀是领导者应有的气度。

Hǎi nà bǎi chuān de xiōnghuái shì lǐngdǎozhě yīng yǒu de qìdù.

A broad-minded attitude that embraces all streams is a quality a leader should possess.