纵

縱

zòng

从 + 纟

Definitions

zòng (verb) to indulge; to let loose

zòng (verb) to release; to set free

zòng (adjective) vertical; longitudinal

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 纟 represents the meaning and 从 represents the sound. Simplified form of 縱.

Semantic: 纟 Phonetic: 从

About

纵 (zòng) is a phonosemantic compound: the silk radical 纟 indicates the meaning (threads, cords) and 从 (cóng) gives the sound, its ancient form showing one person following another. The traditional character is 縱, which uses the full silk radical 糸 and the more complex phonetic 從. Originally it meant slackening a bowstring or releasing tension. Modern verb senses include letting go, indulging, or giving free rein; as a noun it denotes a vertical or longitudinal direction.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

纵容孩子是不对的。

Zòng róng hái zi shì bù duì de.

Indulging children is wrong.

他纵身跳入水中。

Tā zòng shēn tiào rù shuǐ zhōng.

He jumped into the water.

纵火是严重的罪行。

Zòng huǒ shì yán zhòng de zuì xíng.

Arson is a serious crime.

这条铁路纵横全国。

Zhè tiáo tiě lù zòng héng quán guó.

This railway runs across the country.

他们在晚会上纵情歌唱。

Tā men zài wǎn huì shàng zòng qíng gē chàng.

They sang heartily at the party.

纵使困难重重，我们也要坚持。

Zòng shǐ kùn nán chóng chóng, wǒ men yě yào jiān chí.

Even if there are many difficulties, we must persist.

从山顶可以纵览全城景色。

Cóng shān dǐng kě yǐ zòng lǎn quán chéng jǐng sè.

From the mountain top, you can survey the entire city scenery.

他在会议上纵论国际形势。

Tā zài huì yì shàng zòng lùn guó jì xíng shì.

He discussed the international situation freely at the meeting.

Related Characters

Component: 从

Component: 纟

纵