Definitions

variant of 伏[fú]
surname Mi
still; silent

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "宓" is structured with the roof radical 宀 positioned above the phonetic component 必, indicating an etymological association with tranquility and silence, originally conveying a sense of peaceful quiet within a domestic space. In classical Chinese, it functioned as an adjective describing a calm or noiseless state, but over centuries its application broadened to serve as a surname, notably linked to ancient figures such as Fuxi. This shift introduced a predominant onomastic role in modern usage, while its earlier semantic value referencing serenity continues to appear in literary language.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern