About
A phono-semantic compound, 艋 combines the semantic radical 舟 ('boat') with the phonetic 孟, and originally referred to a small, narrow boat or skiff often used for navigating shallow waters or short-distance river transport. The meaning has largely stayed confined to this maritime context, but the character is now best known from the compound 艋舺 (Bangka), the old name for Taipei's Wanhua District, which was historically a major trading port where indigenous people gathered in these small canoes to trade.
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.