About
The character "颔" is structured as a phono-semantic compound, integrating the phonetic component "含" with the semantic radical "页", which classifies it under meanings related to the head. Its etymological origin points to a specific reference to the chin or jaw, a concrete nominal meaning that persists as its core definition in contemporary language. From this foundational sense, the character developed a secondary verbal usage meaning to nod, evident in classical compounds such as "颔首", deriving from the chin's downward motion in agreement. The consistent presence of the "页" radical anchors its semantic field to facial features, while the phonetic element "含" has historically guided its pronunciation.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
她颔首笑了。
老师颔首微笑。
听到消息，他颔首同意。
在会议上，他频频颔首。
她颔首示意我坐下。
他虽然没说话，但颔首表示认可。
法官颔首准许了律师的请求。
在传统文化的描绘中，帝王颔首象征仁慈。