About
The simplified character 衔 derives from traditional 銜, a phono-semantic compound with the phonetic 行 (xíng) enclosing the metal radical 钅 (simplified from 金, 'metal'). It originally denoted the metal bit placed in a horse's mouth to control the animal. This meaning extended to holding something in the mouth, and later to figurative senses of official titles, military ranks, or professional designations, likely from the concept of bearing or holding a position. Simplification altered the metal radical and internal structure, while preserving the historical connection to metalwork and control devices.
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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。
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