Definitions

hidden; hide

Etymology

About

The character is built around the door radical , placing it in the semantic domain of entrances, barriers, and enclosures. Inside, the phonetic component determines the pronunciation without contributing to the meaning. Historically, it signifies shutting firmly, closing off, or barricading a passage, and by extension describes being hidden, secluded, or deeply concealed. This semantic trajectory moves from a physical door barrier to the abstract concepts of secrecy, isolation, and complete inaccessibility.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern