Definitions

wàn (noun) wrist
wàn (noun) arm (of squid, starfish etc)

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 腕, representing the wrist, is structured as a phono-semantic compound with the radical 月, a form of 肉 that signifies flesh or bodily aspects, paired with the phonetic component 宛 to guide its pronunciation. Its etymology consistently points to the anatomical joint between the hand and forearm, a meaning maintained from early textual appearances without substantive alteration. The character's construction has remained stable, reflecting its direct association with the body, and while its usage extends into compound terms that metaphorically invoke strength or skill, its core definition has stayed narrowly focused on the physical wrist.

Example Sentences Hide

我的手有点疼。

Wǒ de shǒuwàn yǒudiǎn téng.

My wrist hurts a bit.

他展示了灵活的手技巧。

Tā zhǎnshì le línghuó de shǒuwàn jìqiǎo.

He demonstrated flexible wrist techniques.

这位医生是治疗关节的专家。

Zhè wèi yīshēng shì zhìliáo wànguānjié de zhuānjiā.

This doctor is a specialist in treating wrist joints.

健身时要注意保护手

Jiànshēn shí yào zhùyì bǎohù shǒuwàn.

You must protect your wrists when working out.

他的力很大,能轻松掰开苹果。

Tā de wànlì hěn dà, néng qīngsōng bāikāi píngguǒ.

His wrist strength is great; he can easily break open an apple.

那块表的设计非常精美。

Nà kuài wànbiǎo de shèjì fēicháng jīngměi.

The design of that wristwatch is very exquisite.

谈判中,他运用了高超的政治手

Tánpàn zhōng, tā yùnyòng le gāochāo de zhèngzhì shǒuwàn.

During the negotiations, he employed superb political maneuvering.

这位年轻选手颇具大将风范,是网坛冉冉升起的新

Zhè wèi niánqīng xuǎnshǒu pō jù dàjiàng fēngfàn, shì wǎng tán rǎnrǎn shēngqǐ de xīn wàn.

This young player has the bearing of a great general and is a rising new star in the tennis world.