Definitions

chǎn (verb) to express; to explain clearly
chǎn (verb) to enlighten

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "阐" originates from its traditional form "闡", structurally composed of the door radical "門" paired with the component "單", which initially offered phonetic cues while also carrying associations of spreading or presenting something fully. Its etymology is linked to the conceptual act of opening a doorway to expose or reveal contents, thereby embodying the notion of bringing clarity to what was hidden. Throughout its historical usage, the meaning transitioned from a literal sense of opening or developing into a more abstract and specialized focus on explanation and exposition, often applied to the detailed interpretation of philosophical ideas or principles. This semantic refinement demonstrates how the character's inherent visual symbolism guided its adaptation toward expressing intellectual clarification within written language.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

下面我来述我的观点。

Xiàmiàn wǒ lái chǎnshù wǒ de guāndiǎn.

Now I will elaborate on my point of view.

请简明地述你的理由。

Qǐng jiǎnmíng de chǎnshù nǐ de lǐyóu.

Please concisely explain your reasons.

这本书明了历史的真相。

Zhè běn shū chǎnmíng le lìshǐ de zhēnxiàng.

This book clarifies the truth of history.

报告详细述了项目的风险。

Bàogào xiángxì chǎnshù le xiàngmù de fēngxiǎn.

The report details the risks of the project.

他善于用例子来明道理。

Tā shànyú yòng lìzi lái chǎnmíng dàolǐ.

He is good at using examples to illustrate principles.

这份文件明了我们的基本原则。

Zhè fèn wénjiàn chǎnmíng le wǒmen de jīběn yuánzé.

This document clarifies our fundamental principles.

我们需要从多个角度来发这个主题。

Wǒmen xūyào cóng duō gè jiǎodù lái chǎnfā zhège zhǔtí.

We need to expound on this topic from multiple perspectives.

发言人进一步明了政府在环境保护问题上的立场。

Fāyán rén jìnyībù chǎnmíng le zhèngfǔ zài huánjìng bǎohù wèntí shàng de lìchǎng.

The spokesperson further elucidated the government's position on environmental protection issues.