About
The character 铭, with its traditional form 銘, is structured from the semantic component 金, meaning metal, and the phonetic component 名, meaning name. Its earliest applications involved inscribing text onto metal objects, such as bronze vessels, for commemorative or proprietary records. From this concrete act of engraving, the meaning expanded to denote the inscribed text itself, often serving as a lasting admonition or tribute. This semantic extension allowed the character to acquire abstract senses, such as a motto or the act of remembering firmly, which are reflected in modern usage within words like 铭文 (inscription) and 铭记 (to engrave in memory).
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
墓碑上刻着铭文。
我铭记老师的教诲。
工匠铭刻了获奖者的名字。
这些青铜器上的铭文非常古老。
那次旅行让我铭记终生。
如果你铭记失败的原因，就能避免再犯。
尽管过去了多年，那感人的一幕仍铭刻在我记忆中。
通过对古代铭文的解读，历史学家重构了当时的社会结构。