Definitions

xuān clever, nimble

Etymology phono-semantic

person

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 儇 combines the left-side semantic radical 亻 (person), which situates it within the domain of human attributes, with the right-side phonetic component 睘. It functions as an adjective describing someone who is quick-witted, agile, or nimble. However, its meaning often carries a negative connotation in classical texts, referring to a person who is superficial, flippant, or frivolous, possessing a cleverness that lacks depth or moral weight.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern