绸

綢

chóu

周 + 纟

Definitions

chóu (noun) silk fabric

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 纟 represents the meaning and 周 represents the sound. Simplified form of 綢.

Semantic: 纟 Phonetic: 周

About

绸 is the simplified form of 綢, a phonosemantic compound where the silk radical 纟 carries the meaning, and 周 gives the sound. Originally it meant to wrap, bind, or tie tightly, actions related to silk threads. Over time, the character shifted from action to material, denoting woven silk fabrics, satins, and other high-quality textiles. This semantic progression from binding with silk to the finished textile reflects the practical origins of the material.

Etymology Hide

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

丝绸很柔软。

Sīchóu hěn róuruǎn.

Silk is very soft.

妈妈买了一条绸巾。

Māma mǎile yī tiáo chóujīn.

Mom bought a silk scarf.

这件绸缎裙子很漂亮。

Zhè jiàn chóuduàn qúnzi hěn piàoliang.

This silk dress is very beautiful.

他用绸布擦镜子。

Tā yòng chóubù cā jìngzi.

He uses silk cloth to wipe the mirror.

这种绸料适合做衬衫。

Zhè zhǒng chóuliào shìhé zuò chènshān.

This type of silk fabric is suitable for making shirts.

虽然绸缎很贵，但是质量很好。

Suīrán chóuduàn hěn guì, dànshì zhìliàng hěn hǎo.

Although silk is expensive, its quality is very good.

她收集了各种颜色的绸缎样本。

Tā shōují le gè zhǒng yánsè de chóuduàn yàngběn.

She collected samples of silk fabric in various colors.

由于丝绸的透气性好，夏天穿绸衣服很舒适。

Yóuyú sīchóu de tòuqìxìng hǎo, xiàtiān chuān chóu yīfu hěn shūshì.

Because silk has good breathability, wearing silk clothes in summer is very comfortable.

Related Characters

Component: 周

Component: 纟

绸