Definitions

crossbill; long-tailed pheasant

Etymology

About

is a phono-semantic compound that pairs the phonetic (hé) on the left with the bird radical on the right; its traditional form uses but follows the same structure. The radical signals a type of bird, the eared pheasant, known for its aggressive fighting nature. Historically, its feathers were used to adorn military helmets as symbols of courage and martial valor. The phonetic supplies the sound hé and carries no semantic meaning.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern