Definitions

fawn

Etymology

About

is a phono-semantic compound formed from 鹿, the semantic radical for 'deer' (placing it among cervids), and , a component that serves as both phonetic cue and semantic indicator of youth. The structure therefore literally means 'deer child', denoting a fawn or newborn deer in classical Chinese. Its definition has remained stable across historical and agricultural records.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern