贯

貫

guàn

毌 + 贝

Definitions

guàn (verb) to pierce through; to pass through

guàn (verb) to string together

guàn (noun) string of coins

Etymology

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

Semantic: 贝 Phonetic: 毌

About

贯, the simplified form of 貫, depicts a string of cowrie shells (贝, traditional 貝) once used as currency in ancient China. The upper component suggests the string or the act of piercing, while the shell radical supplies the monetary context. Originally a noun for a string of cash, the character shifted to the verb meaning of threading or piercing through something, then expanded to abstract ideas of linking, consistency, and thorough penetration, often appearing in words for concentration or a continuous sequence.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他一贯很守时。

Tā yīguàn hěn shǒushí.

He is always punctual.

我的籍贯是上海。

Wǒ de jíguàn shì Shànghǎi.

My native place is Shanghai.

这条河贯穿山谷。

Zhè tiáo hé guànchuān shāngǔ.

This river runs through the valley.

上课时要精神贯注。

Shàngkè shí yào jīngshén guànzhù.

You should focus your mind during class.

他的文章逻辑连贯。

Tā de wénzhāng luójí liánguàn.

His article is logically coherent.

这些事件贯串在一起。

Zhèxiē shìjiàn guànchuàn zài yīqǐ.

These events are linked together.

政府贯彻了环保法规。

Zhèngfǔ guànchèle huánbǎo fǎguī.

The government implemented environmental protection regulations.

这条隧道贯通了两座山。

Zhè tiáo suìdào guàntōngle liǎng zuò shān.

This tunnel connects two mountains.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 毌

Component: 贝

贯