Definitions

chéng a raised path between fields, a dike

Etymology phono-semantic

earth

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "塍" structurally combines the earth radical "土" with the component "朕", which primarily functions as a phonetic element but may carry connotations of separation or joining. Etymologically, it originated from ancient agricultural terminology to designate the raised earthen ridges that partition fields for irrigation purposes. Its core meaning has remained associated with these field boundaries, though in certain literary or regional contexts it has also been used to refer to embankments or paths similar in form and function.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Spring and Autumn (771-476 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Spring and Autumn (771-476 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern