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The character 骖, simplified from 驂, is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic radical "马" indicates the meaning relates to horses, while the phonetic component "参" provides its pronunciation. The traditional form uses "馬" and "參", which were streamlined into the modern structure. The character specifically denotes the two outer horses in a four-horse chariot team, distinct from the inner pair. This term is closely associated with classical Chinese warfare, ancient transportation, and historical accounts detailing chariot mechanics.
Etymology Hide
