Definitions

lán full length gown (old)

Etymology

About

The character is the simplified form of , a phono-semantic compound character combining the clothing radical with the phonetic (originally ). The radical categorizes it as an item of clothing or fabric, while suggests the pronunciation. It denotes a traditional long gown or scholar's robe featuring a distinct horizontal band or hem sewn around the lower edge, a garment historically worn by students and scholars. The simplification from to replaced the complex traditional phonetic with its simpler equivalent , leaving the clothing radical in place to keep the semantic connection to apparel clear. The character is a historical sartorial term for a specific cultural garment defined by its unique tailoring and ceremonial significance.