Definitions

ship

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "舶" is structured as a phono-semantic compound, combining the radical "舟" to signify its association with boats or ships and the component "白" which historically provided a phonetic clue for its pronunciation. Initially denoting large vessels designed for sea travel, the term gradually acquired a more specific meaning, coming to refer exclusively to ships arriving from overseas, which in turn extended its use to describe foreign-made goods, as seen in the compound "舶来品". This semantic specialization from a general maritime craft to a marker of foreign origin reflects the character's adaptation to evolving maritime trade, while its graphical composition has remained consistent over time.

Example Sentences Hide

海上船很多。

Hǎi shàng chuánbó hěn duō.

There are many ships on the sea.

这个港口停泊着大型船

Zhège gǎngkǒu tíngbó zhe dàxíng chuánbó.

Large ships are berthed at this port.

商店里卖很多来品。

Shāngdiàn lǐ mài hěn duō bó lái pǐn.

The shop sells many imported goods.

运来了海外货物。

Shāng bó yùn lái le hǎiwài huòwù.

Merchant ships transported overseas goods.

制造业很重要。

Chuánbó zhìzào yè hěn zhòngyào.

The shipbuilding industry is very important.

这些来品价格昂贵。

Zhèxiē bó lái pǐn jiàgé ángguì.

These imported goods are expensive.

的引擎需要定期维护。

Chuánbó de yǐnqíng xūyào dìngqī wéihù.

The ship's engine requires regular maintenance.

为了促进贸易,政府鼓励船进口和来品消费。

Wèile cùjìn màoyì, zhèngfǔ gǔlì chuánbó jìnkǒu hé bó lái pǐn xiāofèi.

To promote trade, the government encourages ship imports and consumption of imported goods.