Definitions

jìn farewell present

Etymology phono-semantic

money

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character is a phono-semantic compound combining the shell/wealth radical (bèi) as semantic indicator with the phonetic (jìn). Its traditional counterpart uses the full-form radical and the complex phonetic . It refers to a parting gift, travel expenses, or presents given to a traveler, highlighting the social custom of transferring wealth at farewells. Used strictly in formal and literary contexts, it captures the nexus of wealth, travel, and etiquette in classical literature.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern