Definitions
Etymology
Pictograph of a person facing upwards with their mouth open over a fire. Based on the original meaning "burn". The meaning later shifted to "bake", "dry out", and "clay".
About
The character 堇 is composed of the earth radical 土 at its base, indicating a connection to soil or clay. Historically, it is often interpreted as representing a type of clay used in early pottery or ceremonial objects. In botanical contexts, 堇 refers to plants of the Viola genus, commonly known as violets. Its upper components, though debated in origin, form a phonetic element that serves as a building block in many derivative characters, highlighting its importance in the formation of Chinese words.
Etymology Hide
