Definitions

dèng stirrup

Etymology phono-semantic

metal

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

, the simplified form of , is a phono-semantic compound combining the semantic metal radical () on the left with the phonetic on the right. Historically, it had multiple meanings, initially naming a specific type of ancient metal footed vessel used to hold food or function as an oil lamp. With the advancement of equestrian technology, its primary meaning shifted to 'stirrup', the metal ring suspended from a saddle to support a rider's foot, which remains its standard meaning in all contemporary contexts.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 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