蜷

quán

Rank #3672

Definitions

quán to curl up (like a scroll); to huddle; Melania libertina; wriggle (as a worm)

Etymology

To curl up 卷 like a worm 虫; 卷 also provides the pronunciation

About

Composed of the semantic radical "虫" for insect and the phonetic element "卷" meaning to roll, the character "蜷" etymologically denotes the curling motion observed in worms or larvae, with its structure directly implying this action. Its early usage likely centered on describing the physical coiling of such creatures, but through prolonged linguistic application, the meaning gradually extended to cover any instance of curling or contracting, whether applied to living beings or inanimate objects. This evolution from a specific zoological term to a more versatile verb reflects a common pattern in the development of Chinese characters, where compositional logic initially anchors meaning before semantic broadening occurs through metaphorical or generalized use.

Example Sentences Hide

小猫蜷缩在沙发上。

Xiǎo māo quánsuō zài shāfā shàng.

The kitten curls up on the sofa.

虫子蜷曲在叶子上。

Chóngzi quánqū zài yèzi shàng.

The insect coils on the leaf.

他冷得蜷起身子。

Tā lěng de quán qǐ shēnzi.

He is so cold that he curls up his body.

蛇蜷伏在草丛中。

Shé quánfú zài cǎocóng zhōng.

The snake lies coiled in the grass.

婴儿蜷着腿睡觉。

Yīng'ér quán zhe tuǐ shuìjiào.

The baby sleeps with its legs curled.

老人蜷在椅子里看书。

Lǎorén quán zài yǐzi lǐ kànshū.

The old man curls up in the chair reading a book.

在寒冷的夜晚，我蜷缩在厚厚的被子里。

Zài hánlěng de yèwǎn, wǒ quánsuō zài hòuhòu de bèizi lǐ.

On cold nights, I curl up under thick blankets.

那条受伤的狗蜷缩在角落，一动不动。

Nà tiáo shòushāng de gǒu quánsuō zài jiǎoluò, yīdòng bùdòng.

The injured dog curls up in the corner, not moving at all.

Related Characters

Component: 卷

Component: 虫

Components

卷虫

蜷