About
The simplified character 衔 derives from the traditional form 銜, a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic component is 钅 (jīn), simplified from 金 (jīn) meaning "metal", paired with the phonetic component 行 (xíng). The character originally referred to the metal bit placed in a horse's mouth for control. This concrete sense extended to mean holding something in the mouth. It further developed abstract meanings for official titles, military ranks, or professional designations, evoking the notion of bearing a position. The simplification process modified the metal radical and streamlined the internal structure, preserving its historical link to metalwork and control devices.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
小狗衔着一根骨头。
这两段路衔接得很好。
他有一个高级头衔。
鸟儿衔来树枝筑巢。
铁路桥衔接着城市的南北两部分。
他心中衔着深深的怨恨。
船长衔着烟斗，凝视着远方的大海。
这项政策旨在衔接口岸贸易与内陆物流的发展。