Definitions

quán to estimate; to select

Etymology phono-semantic

metal

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "铨", simplified from its traditional form "銓", is structured with a metal radical combined with the phonetic component "全", originally denoting the act of weighing with a metal balance. Its meaning evolved from this concrete sense of measurement to the abstract evaluation and selection of individuals, particularly in administrative contexts, reflecting a shift from physical to figurative assessment.

Etymology Hide

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