Definitions

ā (particle) prefix used before names and kinship terms to show familiarity
ē (verb) to flatter
ā (particle) used in transliterations

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "hillside". The current meaning is a phonetic loan.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

阿 is formed by the left-side mound radical 阝 and the right component 可, which functions as a phonetic element. Originally, it denoted a large mountain, a curved riverbank, or a type of elevated terrain. Though this geographic sense is now rare, the character is commonly used as an informal or affectionate prefix for names, kinship terms, or numbers to create familiar addresses. It also has a secondary pronunciation and meaning, referring to the act of flattering or ingratiation towards those in authority.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Warring States (475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

姨来我家了。

Āyí lái wǒ jiā le.

Auntie came to my house.

妈叫我吃饭。

Āmā jiào wǒ chīfàn.

Mom called me to eat.

明是我的朋友。

Āmíng shì wǒ de péngyou.

A Ming is my friend.

婆在公园里散步。

Āpó zài gōngyuán lǐ sànbù.

Grandma is walking in the park.

拉伯国家很多。

Ālābó guójiā hěn duō.

There are many Arab countries.

根廷足球很厉害。

Āgēntíng zúqiú hěn lìhai.

Argentinian soccer is very strong.

里巴巴是一家大公司。

Ālǐbābā shì yī jiā dà gōngsī.

Alibaba is a big company.

联酋的首都是布扎比。

Āliánqiú de shǒudū shì Ābùzhābǐ.

The capital of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi.