Definitions

pēi unstrained spirits

Etymology phono-semantic

wine

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phono-semantic compound combining the semantic radical 'wine vessel' (placing it in the alcoholic beverage category) and the phonetic component , which gives the pronunciation "pēi". It refers to unstrained, cloudy wine or fermenting liquor that still contains the dregs from brewing. The wine radical marks its alcoholic nature, while the meaning highlights the rustic, unfinished stage of production. In classical poetry, it describes homemade, unfiltered village wine, functioning as a specific term rather than a general word for liquids.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern