幽

yōu

山 + 𢆶

Definitions

yōu (adjective) secluded; remote; hidden away

yōu (adjective) serene; peaceful

yōu (verb) to imprison

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 山 represents the meaning and 𢆶 represents the sound.

About

幽 is a phonosemantic compound: 山 (mountain) conveys the meaning, and 𢆶 (yōu) provides the sound. The character combines 山 with 𢆶, which is made of two 幺 (silk thread) elements, visually evoking things hidden deep within mountain crevices. Its primary meanings are dark, secluded, quiet, and hidden. This strong link to darkness and concealment extended the character's use to the supernatural realm, where it describes ghosts, spirits, and the underworld.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个故事很幽默。

Zhège gùshi hěn yōumò.

This story is very humorous.

公园里非常幽静。

Gōngyuán lǐ fēicháng yōujìng.

The park is very quiet and secluded.

房间里的光线很幽暗。

Fángjiān lǐ de guāngxiàn hěn yōu'àn.

The light in the room is very dim.

这家餐厅的环境很幽雅。

Zhè jiā cāntīng de huánjìng hěn yōuyǎ.

The environment of this restaurant is very elegant and quiet.

我们走进了一个幽谷。

Wǒmen zǒujìnle yīgè yōugǔ.

We walked into a deep valley.

她的眼神中带着一丝幽怨。

Tā de yǎnshén zhōng dàizhe yī sī yōuyuàn.

There is a trace of resentment in her eyes.

这片森林显得格外幽深。

Zhè piàn sēnlín xiǎndé géwài yōushēn.

This forest appears especially deep and serene.

他长期幽闭在自己的房间里。

Tā chángqī yōubì zài zìjǐ de fángjiān lǐ.

He has been confined to his room for a long time.

Related Characters

Component: 山

Component: 𢆶

Example Words