About
The character for "orchid", initially embodied by the traditional form "蘭", etymologically derives from the grass radical "艹" coupled with the phonetic element "闌" to specify a particular aromatic plant. Its usage gradually transcended literal botanical classification to convey notions of elegance and purity, frequently appearing in literary works and as a component in given names. The simplified variant "兰" originated from abbreviated cursive forms that condensed the intricate phonetic part into a simpler construct, preserving the core association with the plant while enhancing scribal efficiency. This morphological simplification accompanied a semantic broadening, where the term moved from denoting a specific flora to representing an abstract ideal of virtue and grace, a transition evident across various historical periods and continuing in contemporary language.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这是一朵兰花。
我养的兰花很漂亮。
她买了一盆白玉兰。
妈妈喜欢兰花的清香。
兰州是中国的一个城市。
山上的兰草开花了。
他常买兰香型的茶叶。
她气质如兰，温文尔雅。