About
The character 蛇, denoting a snake, is a phono-semantic compound incorporating the radical 虫, which classifies it among reptiles or creeping creatures, and the component 它, which originally functioned as an independent pictograph for a snake. As the meaning of 它 shifted to represent "it" or "other", 蛇 was formed to specify the reptile, with 虫 providing semantic clarity and 它 contributing both phonetic value and a direct etymological link to its earlier pictorial sense. This structural composition has persisted, and the character's meaning has remained specifically centered on snakes without notable expansion or alteration.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这是一条小蛇。
我看到了一条蛇。
蛇在草地上爬行。
蛇是一种爬行动物。
蛇的皮肤非常光滑。
小心，那条蛇可能有毒。
在动物园里，我们看到了许多蛇。
研究人员正在研究蛇的毒液。