Definitions

sūn (noun) grandson; descendant
Sūn (noun) surname

Etymology

Simplified form of . A grandchild is a small () child ().

About

The character for "grandchild" or "descendant" traces its origins to the representation of lineal descent, with the traditional form "孫" integrating the component "子" meaning child and "系" suggesting a connective thread of lineage. Initially denoting a direct grandchild, its application gradually broadened to refer to all succeeding generations and became firmly established as a common surname. The simplified form "孙" later altered the composition to "子" and "小", a structural change that maintained the core concept of progeny and sequential inheritance. Over time, the character's semantic field extended into metaphorical uses, often implying subordination or later iterations in both social and abstract contexts, reflecting its enduring utility in conveying relationships of descent and succession.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Spring and Autumn (771-476 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Warring States (~300 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Xin dynasty (9-23 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我的子很可爱。

Wǒ de sūnzi hěn kě'ài.

My grandson is very cute.

她有一个可爱的女。

Tā yǒu yī gè kě'ài de sūnnǚ.

She has a lovely granddaughter.

子在公园里玩。

Sūnzi zài gōngyuán lǐ wán.

The grandson is playing in the park.

爷爷每天陪子读书。

Yéye měitiān péi sūnzi dúshū.

Grandpa accompanies his grandson to study every day.

中山是中国伟人。

Sūn Zhōngshān shì Zhōngguó wěirén.

Sun Yat-sen is a great Chinese figure.

教授在大学里教历史。

Sūn jiàoshòu zài dàxué lǐ jiào lìshǐ.

Professor Sun teaches history at the university.

悟空是中国神话中的英雄。

Sūn Wùkōng shì Zhōngguó shénhuà zhōng de yīngxióng.

Sun Wukong is a hero in Chinese mythology.

中山先生领导了辛亥革命。

Sūn Zhōngshān xiānsheng lǐngdǎo le Xīnhài Gémìng.

Mr. Sun Yat-sen led the Xinhai Revolution.