轴

軸

zhóu, zhòu

由 + 车

Definitions

zhóu (noun) axis; axle; roller; spool

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 车 represents the meaning and 由 represents the sound. Simplified form of 軸.

Semantic: 车 Phonetic: 由

About

轴 is a phonosemantic compound and the simplified form of 軸. It combines the vehicle radical 车 (simplified from 車) on the left, indicating the meaning of a cart axle, with the phonetic component 由 on the right. The original meaning is the cylindrical wooden or metal axle that passes through the center of a cart's wheel to allow rotation. This later broadened to refer to any central pivot, a geographical or mathematical axis, or the cylindrical roller around which scrolls are wound.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

车轮绕着轴转动。

Chēlún ràozhe zhóu zhuàndòng.

The wheel rotates around the axle.

地球围绕地轴自转。

Dìqiú wéirào dìzhóu zìzhuàn.

The Earth rotates on its axis.

这座建筑以中轴线对称。

Zhè zuò jiànzhù yǐ zhōngzhóuxiàn duìchèn.

This building is symmetrical along its central axis.

历史书是研究时间轴的重要资料。

Lìshǐ shū shì yánjiū shíjiānzhóu de zhòngyào zīliào.

History books are important materials for studying the timeline.

他在团队里扮演着主心轴的角色。

Tā zài tuánduǐ lǐ bànyǎnzhe zhǔxīnzhóu de juésè.

He plays a central, pivotal role in the team.

这幅古画被精心地卷在木轴上。

Zhè fú gǔhuà bèi jīngxīn de juǎn zài mù zhóu shàng.

This ancient painting is carefully rolled on a wooden scroll.

二战时期的轴心国包括德国、意大利和日本。

Èrzhàn shíqī de zhóuxīn guó bāokuò Déguó, Yìdàlì hé Rìběn.

The Axis powers during World War II included Germany, Italy, and Japan。

各部门的工作需要以项目进度为轴来协调。

Gè bùmén de gōngzuò xūyào yǐ xiàngmù jìndù wéi zhóu lái xiétiáo.

The work of various departments needs to be coordinated with the project timeline as the central pivot.

Related Characters

Component: 由

Component: 车

轴