Definitions

huán large domain; extensive region

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "寰" has a structural composition that offers insight into its original meaning, being formed from the radical "宀", which signifies a roof or enclosed space, combined with the component "睘", which historically served as both a phonetic element and a semantic hint of revolution or returning. This combination originally suggested the concept of a bounded or walled domain, specifically referring to the area immediately surrounding the imperial capital or a defined territorial expanse. Over time, its application expanded beyond the purely geographical or administrative, taking on a more abstract and vast sense to denote the entire world or the cosmic whole, as seen in classical compounds where it implies all within the heavens. The traditional form retains this full construction, and its semantic journey reflects a shift from a specific, human-circumscribed space to a universal, all-encompassing one.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

球气候正在变暖。

Huánqiú qìhòu zhèngzài biàn nuǎn.

The global climate is warming.

我们生活在同一球。

Wǒmen shēnghuó zài tóng yī huánqiú.

We live on the same globe.

宇中有无数星球。

Huányǔ zhōng yǒu wúshù xīngqiú.

There are countless stars in the universe.

他离开了悲惨的人

Tā líkāile bēicǎn de rénhuán.

He left the miserable world.

球经济面临挑战。

Huánqiú jīngjì miànlín tiǎozhàn.

The global economy faces challenges.

科学家探索宇的奥秘。

Kēxuéjiā tànsuǒ huányǔ de àomì.

Scientists explore the mysteries of the universe.

这场灾难震撼了整个球。

Zhè chǎng zīnàn zhènhànle zhěnggè huánqiú.

This disaster shocked the entire globe.

在茫茫宇中,地球只是微尘。

Zài mángmáng huányǔ zhōng, dìqiú zhǐshì wēichén.

In the vast universe, Earth is just a speck of dust.