Definitions

qǐn to carve

Etymology phono-semantic

metal

Semantic:

About

, the simplified form of , is a phono-semantic compound combining the metal radical (jīn) with a phonetic from the right side of (qīn). Its primary meaning is to carve or engrave text and patterns onto wooden blocks or metal surfaces for printing, the metal radical pointing to metal engraving tools. Once common in woodblock printing and publishing, the character now survives as a specialized historical term due to the decline of manual block-making.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern