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The character 哙 (kuài), traditional form 噲, is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic radical 口 (mouth) on the left indicates an action related to the mouth, eating, or vocalization, while the phonetic component is 会 (simplified from 會). Historically, the character primarily meant to swallow food, often suggesting a greedy or ravenous appetite. It also developed a descriptive sense meaning bright, cheerful, or talkative. In modern usage, it is most commonly recognized through its presence in ancient historical names, such as the Han dynasty general Fan Kuai.
Etymology Hide
