Definitions

gān (noun) liver
gān (verb) to grind; to put in long hours (gaming slang)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. ⺼ represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "肝" etymologically derives from its composition as a phono-semantic compound, combining the radical "肉" often seen as "月" to signify its association with bodily flesh, and the component "干" which primarily serves a phonetic function. Historically centered on denoting the liver as a vital organ, its semantic scope broadened to encompass figurative meanings in classical and modern usage, such as representing courage or essential nature in expressions like "肝胆" for heartfelt loyalty or "心肝" for a beloved core. This evolution in meaning, from a purely anatomical term to one with emotional connotations, illustrates how the character's linguistic role developed while its structural form remained unchanged.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

脏是人体的重要器官。

Gānzàng shì réntǐ de zhòngyào qìguān.

The liver is an important organ in the human body.

医生检查了他的功能。

Yīshēng jiǎnchá le tā de gāngōngnéng.

The doctor checked his liver function.

过量饮酒会伤害脏。

Guòliàng yǐnjiǔ huì shānghài gānzàng.

Excessive drinking can harm the liver.

病需要及时治疗。

Gānbìng xūyào jíshí zhìliáo.

Liver disease requires timely treatment.

她因为癌住院了。

Tā yīnwèi gān'ái zhùyuàn le.

She was hospitalized due to liver cancer.

中医认为火旺会导致失眠。

Zhōngyī rènwéi gānhuǒ wàng huì dǎozhì shīmián.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that excessive liver fire can cause insomnia.

脏移植手术非常复杂。

Gānzàng yízhí shǒushù fēicháng fùzá.

Liver transplant surgery is very complex.

研究人员正在开发新的病药物。

Yánjiū rényuán zhèngzài kāifā xīn de gānbìng yàowù.

Researchers are developing new drugs for liver disease.