Definitions

ebony; shining black

Etymology phono-semantic

black

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character is a phono-semantic compound combining the semantic radical (black, dark) with the phonetic component , which indicates the pronunciation. Its core meaning is an intense, deep black, often describing dark, lustrous wood or profoundly dark elements in nature, a sense directly inherited from the radical . Beyond its use as an adjective for black, also functions as a geographical name, most notably Yixian (Yi County) in Anhui Province, a region historically celebrated for its distinct landscape, traditional architecture, and production of high-quality dark stone used for traditional Chinese inkstones.

Etymology Hide

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