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The character 诔 (lěi), also written as 誄 in traditional form, is a phono-semantic compound. Its left component, the semantic radical 讠 (yán), signifies speech or words, placing the character within the domain of vocal expression and writing. The right component, 耒 (lěi), which originally depicted a wooden plow, serves solely as the phonetic element to indicate pronunciation. The character specifically refers to the formal act of delivering a eulogy or memorial speech, recounting the virtues of the deceased during funerary rites.
Etymology Hide
