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 (gān) is a phono-semantic compound. Its left component, the flesh radical 月 (ròu), categorizes it as an internal organ. The right component, 干 (gān), primarily provides the pronunciation, though it may also subtly allude to a protective function, as 干 can mean "shield". 肝 specifically refers to the liver. In traditional Chinese medicine and cultural usage, its meaning extends beyond anatomy, symbolizing courage, strong emotions, and vital energy, thus connecting the physical organ to psychological states.

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.