Definitions

jiān thick waterproof silk

Etymology phono-semantic

silk

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "缣", with its traditional form "縑", is structurally composed of the silk radical "纟" or "糸" and the component "兼", which serves as a phonetic indicator and semantically suggests doubling or combining. Etymologically, it originated to denote a type of silk fabric woven with double threads, making it thicker and more durable, and was initially used specifically for high-quality writing surfaces like scrolls. Over time, its meaning broadened to encompass fine silk textiles in general, while its structural elements have continuously highlighted its association with silk and the reinforced quality implied by "兼".

Etymology Hide

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