About
The character "陶" is structured as a phono-semantic compound, integrating the radical "阝", a derivative of "阜" implying an earthen mound or hill, with the component "匋" which provides phonetic guidance and inherently relates to pottery. Initially denoting the practice of crafting earthenware and ceramic objects, its meaning was firmly grounded in the material art of pottery production. Over time, the character's semantic scope widened to embrace metaphorical extensions, such as the process of shaping or educating, exemplified in the term "陶冶" which describes the cultivation of personal qualities or talents. This abstraction further permitted its application to expressions of contentment or pleasurable engagement, as seen in "陶醉" indicating a state of joyful absorption. The consistent composition of the character maintains a connection to its original tangible references while accommodating these developed figurative uses.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我买了一个陶瓷碗。
他被音乐陶醉了。
读书可以陶冶情操。
博物馆里有很多古代陶器。
她正在学习陶艺制作。
陶土是制作陶瓷的重要材料。
沉浸在艺术的海洋中，他感到无比陶醉。
通过长期的艺术陶冶，她的审美能力得到了显著提升。