Definitions

fěng to recite, to intone, to chant

Etymology phono-semantic

mouth

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 唪 is a phono-semantic compound, combining the radical 口, which relates it to mouth actions, with the phonetic component 奉, which suggests its pronunciation. Its core meaning is to recite or chant aloud in a rhythmic manner, often specifically referring to the ceremonial chanting of Buddhist scriptures. The structure indicates both the physical action (vocalization) and the sound, forming a specialized term for formal, melodic recitation distinct from ordinary speech.

Etymology Hide

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