Definitions

biàn hem; to braid, to plait

Etymology phono-semantic

thread

Semantic: Phonetic: 便

About

The character (traditional form: ) is built as a phono-semantic compound, with the silk radical , a simplified descendant of , on the left, and the phonetic component 便 on the right. The radical situates the character in the semantic field of textiles, weaving, and sewing, while 便 supplies the pronunciation and completes the horizontal structure. Its primary meaning is the manipulation of thread and fabric: sewing a hem, weaving a braid, or finishing a garment's edge to prevent fraying. This highly specific textile vocabulary offered a precise term for securing loose threads, reflecting the significance of clothing construction and fabric maintenance in historical daily life. As a result, seldom appears outside contexts related to garment manufacturing or traditional fabric arts.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
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Simplified Modern