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Structured as a phono-semantic compound, 讴 combines the speech radical 讠 (yán, simplified from 言) on the left, linking the character to vocal expression, with the phonetic 区 (qū, 'area') on the right, which indicates the pronunciation. The traditional form 謳 restores the full 言 radical and traditional phonetic 區. Originally, 讴 denoted the singing of local folk songs or ballads, a type of regional vocal art. Over time, the meaning expanded from simple singing to the act of praising or eulogizing in song or poetic verse, an expression of profound admiration.
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