Definitions

guàn (verb) to pierce through; to pass through
guàn (verb) to string together
guàn (noun) string of coins

Etymology

Simplified form of . Depicts a string of shells (), which were used as currency in ancient China.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 贯, traditionally written as 貫, structurally integrates the component 毌, suggesting a string or passage, with 貝, representing shell currency or valuables, etymologically reflecting the act of threading coins together. Initially denoting this concrete physical connection, its meaning broadened to encompass the idea of penetrating or passing through, and further evolved to indicate a series or sequence, thereby shifting from literal linkage to abstract applications of continuity and coherence.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他一很守时。

Tā yīguàn hěn shǒushí.

He is always punctual.

我的籍是上海。

Wǒ de jíguàn shì Shànghǎi.

My native place is Shanghai.

这条河穿山谷。

Zhè tiáo hé guànchuān shāngǔ.

This river runs through the valley.

上课时要精神注。

Shàngkè shí yào jīngshén guànzhù.

You should focus your mind during class.

他的文章逻辑连

Tā de wénzhāng luójí liánguàn.

His article is logically coherent.

这些事件串在一起。

Zhèxiē shìjiàn guànchuàn zài yīqǐ.

These events are linked together.

政府彻了环保法规。

Zhèngfǔ guànchèle huánbǎo fǎguī.

The government implemented environmental protection regulations.

这条隧道通了两座山。

Zhè tiáo suìdào guàntōngle liǎng zuò shān.

This tunnel connects two mountains.