Definitions
surname Cai
Etymology
About
The character "蔡" is composed of the grass radical "艹" over the component "祭", which primarily serves a phonetic function but also relates to ritual offering. Its etymology traces back to an early meaning of wild grass or unchecked vegetation, aligning with its pictorial emphasis on plant life. This vegetative reference later extended to a geographical designation, specifically denoting the ancient state of Cai from the Zhou dynasty period. The association with that territory subsequently solidified the character's dominant role as a surname, while its original botanical sense gradually receded into archaic usage.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
蔡先生是中国人。
我的朋友姓蔡。
蔡老师教我们数学。
蔡英文是台湾地区的领导人。
这本书是蔡邕写的。
我们去上蔡县旅游。
蔡伦发明了造纸术。
蔡氏家族在历史上很有名。