Definitions

gāo (noun) ointment; cream; paste
gào (verb) to apply (cream or ointment); to grease

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character '膏' is etymologically a phono-semantic compound, integrating the phonetic element '高' for its sound and the semantic component '月', which derives from '肉' (meat), to indicate its original material association with animal fat or grease. This structural composition anchored its early meanings in tangible, viscous substances, primarily referring to rendered fats used as lubricants or in cooking. Its semantic field gradually widened to include any thick, ointment-like preparation, such as medicinal salves and herbal pastes, while also developing abstract applications to denote richness or fertility, as seen in classical compounds referring to fertile land or prosperous conditions. The conceptual thread connecting these uses remains the essence of a concentrated, nourishing, or unctuous substance, demonstrating how the character's core identity persisted through lexical expansion.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我每天用牙刷牙。

Wǒ měitiān yòng yágāo shuāyá.

I use toothpaste to brush my teeth every day.

这种药治疗湿疹。

Zhè zhǒng yàogāo zhìliáo shīzhěn.

This kind of ointment treats eczema.

奶奶经常贴药。

Nǎinai jīngcháng tiē gāoyao.

Grandma often applies plasters.

他的腿上打了石

Tā de tuǐ shàng dǎle shígāo.

His leg is in a plaster cast.

状物容易涂抹。

Gāo zhuàng wù róngyì túmǒ.

Paste-like substances are easy to apply.

这种牙含有天然成分。

Zhè zhǒng yágāo hányǒu tiānrán chéngfèn.

This toothpaste contains natural ingredients.

医生开了消炎药给他。

Yīshēng kāile xiāoyán yàogāo gěi tā.

The doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory ointment for him.

剂的保质期通常较长。

Gāojì de bǎozhīqī tōngcháng jiào cháng.

The shelf life of ointments is usually relatively long.