Definitions

xiàng (noun) lane; alley

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character 巷, representing a lane or alley, originates from an etymological construction that combines the phonetic element 共 with components associated with pathways or settlements, thereby conveying the concept of a communal thoroughfare. Its structure has maintained this essential composition throughout its history, with the traditional form remaining consistent and not subject to graphical simplification. The meaning of 巷 has persistently centered on narrow urban passages, and while its application in compound terms has broadened slightly, its core semantic value has remained stable across the language's evolution.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 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 Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
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 Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这条小很安静。

Zhè tiáo xiǎo xiàng hěn ān jìng.

This small lane is very quiet.

孩子们在子里玩耍。

Háizi men zài xiàngzi lǐ wánshuǎ.

The children are playing in the alley.

口的商店生意很好。

Xiàng kǒu de shāngdiàn shēngyì hěn hǎo.

The shop at the alley entrance has good business.

城市里有许多古老的街

Chéngshì lǐ yǒu xǔduō gǔlǎo de jiē xiàng.

There are many ancient streets and lanes in the city.

他穿过狭窄的子,找到了那家店。

Tā chuānguò xiázhǎi de xiàngzi, zhǎodào le nà jiā diàn.

He passed through the narrow alley and found that shop.

战之中,士兵们必须格外小心。

Zài xiàngzhàn zhī zhōng, shìbīng men bìxū géwài xiǎoxīn.

In street fighting, soldiers must be extra careful.

每当夜晚降临,这条子就变得格外宁静。

Měi dāng yèwǎn jiànglín, zhè tiáo xiàngzi jiù biàn dé géwài níngjìng.

Whenever night falls, this alley becomes exceptionally peaceful.

经过城市规划,那些破旧的子将被改造成文化街区。

Jīngguò chéngshì guīhuà, nàxiē pòjiù de xiàngzi jiāng bèi gǎizào chéng wénhuà jiēqū.

After urban planning, those dilapidated lanes will be transformed into cultural districts.