贲

賁

bēn, bì

卉 + 贝

Definitions

bēn surname Ben

bēn energetic

bì bright

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 贝 represents the meaning and 卉 represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "adornment". The current meaning is a phonetic loan.

About

贲, the simplified form of 賁, consists of 卉 (grass) over 贝 (shell), a radical associated with value. Originally a phonosemantic compound, 卉 gave the sound while 贝 pointed to the meaning "adornment", bright, decorative patterns inspired by treasured shells and plants. In another pronunciation, the character was borrowed phonetically for an unrelated word meaning brave, energetic, or rushing forward, often depicting warriors in classical texts.