馨

xīn

殸 + 香

Definitions

xīn (adjective) fragrant; aromatic

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 香 represents the meaning and 殸 represents the sound.

Semantic: 香 Phonetic: 殸

About

The character 馨 combines 香 (fragrance or sweet smell) at the bottom as its semantic indicator, and 殸 above as its phonetic. Its primary meaning is a strong, pervasive, and highly pleasant aroma, typically from blooming flowers, burning incense, or freshly prepared food. Beyond this literal sense, 馨 is often used figuratively for a person's excellent reputation, virtuous character, or lasting positive influence that spreads like a sweet scent. The fragrance radical grounds the character in the delightful sensory experience of smell.

Etymology Hide

Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

房间里充满温馨。

Fángjiān lǐ chōngmǎn wēnxīn.

The room is filled with warmth and coziness.

这朵花有淡淡的馨香。

Zhè duǒ huā yǒu dàndàn de xīnxiāng.

This flower has a light, delicate fragrance.

她的品德馨香远播。

Tā de pǐndé xīnxiāng yuǎn bō.

Her moral character and good reputation are widely known.

这本书散发着文学的馨香。

Zhè běn shū sànfāzhe wénxué de xīnxiāng.

This book exudes a literary fragrance.

他的善行如兰之馨。

Tā de shànxíng rú lán zhī xīn.

His good deeds are as fragrant as an orchid.

记忆深处总有一缕故乡的馨香。

Jìyì shēnchù zǒng yǒu yī lǚ gùxiāng de xīnxiāng.

Deep in memory, there is always a wisp of my hometown's fragrance.

愿你的生活永远洋溢着幸福与温馨。

Yuàn nǐ de shēnghuó yǒngyuǎn yángyìzhe xìngfú yǔ wēnxīn.

May your life always be overflowing with happiness and warmth.

这份质朴的礼物承载着最真挚的温馨。

Zhè fèn zhìpǔ de lǐwù chéngzàizhe zuì zhēnzhì de wēnxīn.

This simple gift carries the most sincere warmth.

Related Characters

Component: 殸

Component: 香

馨