Definitions

zēng large square net

Etymology phono-semantic

net

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phono-semantic compound that designates a large, square lift net suspended from a frame and lowered into the water. Its structure combines the net radical at the top, providing the semantic category of nets and traps, with the phonetic component (zēng) at the bottom. In addition to the noun, it functions as a verb: to catch fish using such a net. The character is highly specialized, appearing mainly in contexts of traditional fishing, rural aquaculture, and classical riverbank life, not in general modern vocabulary.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern