Definitions

yāng martingale (part of a horse's harness); used in 鞅鞅[yāng yāng]
yàng wooden yoke for a draft ox

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "鞅" is a phono-semantic compound formed from the semantic component 革, meaning leather, and the phonetic component 央. Its original meaning was a leather strap or bridle used to harness horses. Over time, the term extended to convey a sense of constraint or burden, exemplified in the classical expression "鞅掌" referring to being occupied with numerous duties. The character also functions as a surname in historical figures like Shang Yang, though this usage remains distinct from its lexical meaning. Structurally, the character has maintained the combination of 革 and 央 without significant alteration.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

变法很有名。

Shāng Yāng biànfǎ hěn yǒumíng.

Shang Yang's reforms are very famous.

他研究商的历史。

Tā yánjiū Shāng Yāng de lìshǐ.

He studies the history of Shang Yang.

古代马车需要

Gǔdài mǎchē xūyào yāng.

Ancient carriages needed yokes.

是驾具的一部分。

Yāng shì jiàjù de yī bùfen.

The yoke is part of the harness.

的政策影响深远。

Shāng Yāng de zhèngcè yǐngxiǎng shēnyuǎn.

Shang Yang's policies have far-reaching influence.

这本书介绍了商的生平。

Zhè běn shū jièshào le Shāng Yāng de shēngpíng.

This book introduces Shang Yang's life.

在博物馆里看到了古代的

Zài bówùguǎn lǐ kàndào le gǔdài de yāng.

In the museum, I saw an ancient yoke.

的法治思想对后世有重要启示。

Shāng Yāng de fǎzhì sīxiǎng duì hòushì yǒu zhòngyào qǐshì.

Shang Yang's legalist thoughts have important enlightenment for later generations.