Definitions

xuǎn (verb) to choose; to select; to elect

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character '选' derives from its traditional form '選', which integrates the semantic component '辵' denoting movement or progression with the phonetic component '巽' that contributed sound while subtly reinforcing ideas of order or sequence. Originally conveying the act of choosing through a process of movement or arrangement, its meaning gradually solidified around selection, eventually expanding to encompass formal decisions such as elections. The contemporary form '选' substitutes '巽' with '先', meaning first or ahead, a change that phonetically approximates the original while thematically underscoring the precedence inherent in making a choice, thus reflecting an adaptation in structure that continues to carry the core concept of selection.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这本书。

Wǒ xuǎn zhè běn shū.

I choose this book.

了一个苹果。

Tā xuǎn le yī gè píngguǒ.

He chose an apple.

我们举班长。

Wǒmen xuǎnjǔ bānzhǎng.

We elect a class monitor.

你可以红色或蓝色。

Nǐ kěyǐ xuǎn hóngsè huò lánsè.

You can choose red or blue.

衣服时要注意尺寸。

Xuǎn yīfu shí yào zhùyì chǐcùn.

When choosing clothes, pay attention to the size.

她正在挑生日礼物。

Tā zhèngzài tiāoxuǎn shēngrì lǐwù.

She is selecting a birthday gift.

如果你错了答案,就会扣分。

Rúguǒ nǐ xuǎn cuòle dáàn, jiù huì kòu fēn.

If you choose the wrong answer, you will lose points.

在众多项中,他最终择了留学。

Zài zhòngduō xuǎnxiàng zhōng, tā zuìzhōng xuǎnzé le liúxué.

Among many options, he finally chose to study abroad.