About
The character "院" originates from the semantic-phonetic compound structure of Chinese script, combining the radical "阜", which signifies an earthen mound or embankment, with the phonetic component "完", which suggests completeness or enclosure. This construction initially conveyed the sense of a walled or bounded space, specifically referring to a courtyard enclosed by buildings or walls, a meaning that remains central to its use. Over centuries, its application broadened from denoting the physical architectural space to representing the institutions that inhabited such spaces, such as temples, academies, and governmental bodies. This semantic extension reflects a logical shift from the container to the contained function, leading to its modern meanings associated with institutes, hospitals, and courts. The traditional form of the character maintains this original composition, while the simplified form is a streamlined version of the same structural elements.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我哥哥在医院工作。
她考上了一所著名的学院。
这个案件将在下周上法院审理。
故宫博物院收藏了许多珍贵文物。
我们在院子里种了一棵苹果树。
这家剧院以演出经典话剧闻名。
科学院的院士们做出了重大贡献。
该研究院正在开发新的环保技术。