Definitions

chán (verb) to wind around; to wrap around; to coil
chán (verb) to involve; to bother; to annoy

Etymology phono-semantic

thread

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character '缠' derives from its traditional form '纏,' which integrates the silk radical with the component '廛' to express the action of winding or coiling, primarily in reference to threads or cords. Over time, its semantic range broadened from these concrete physical processes to encompass metaphorical extensions, such as the notion of pestering or persistently involving oneself in a manner that implies figurative entanglement. The structural transition to the simplified form '缠' retained the silk radical while altering the right-hand element, thus continuing to signal an inherent connection to fibrous winding and twisting. This shift in meaning from tangible manual activities to abstract interpersonal dynamics illustrates the character's adaptive journey within the language.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他的腿被藤蔓住了。

Tā de tuǐ bèi téngwàn chán zhù le.

His leg was entangled by the vines.

这个小女孩总爱着妈妈讲故事。

Zhège xiǎo nǚhái zǒng ài chánzhe māma jiǎng gùshi.

This little girl always loves to pester her mom to tell stories.

问题很复杂,各种因素纠在一起。

Wèntí hěn fùzá, gè zhǒng yīnsù jiūchán zài yīqǐ.

The problem is complex, with various factors entangled together.

别让过去的琐事纠你的内心。

Bié ràng guòqù de suǒshì jiūchán nǐ de nèixīn.

Don't let past trivial matters preoccupy your mind.

他正努力从债务纠纷中摆脱出来。

Tā zhèng nǔlì cóng zhàiwù jiūfēn zhōng bǎituō chūlái.

He is trying hard to extricate himself from the debt dispute.

这种线非常结实,适合用于绕包裹。

Zhè zhǒng xiàn fēicháng jiēshi, shìhé yòng yú chánrǎo bāoguǒ.

This kind of thread is very strong, suitable for winding and wrapping.

她手腕上绕着一条精致的手链。

Tā shǒuwàn shàng chánrào zhe yī tiáo jīngzhì de shǒuliàn.

A delicate bracelet is coiled around her wrist.

历史的真相常常与传说和神话绕难分。

Lìshǐ de zhēnxiàng chángcháng yǔ chuánshuō hé shénhuà chánrào nán fēn.

The truth of history is often inextricably intertwined with legends and myths.