Definitions

xún (verb) to follow; to adhere to; to abide by

Etymology phono-semantic

step

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

Constructed as a phono-semantic compound, the character uses the semantic radical on the left, known as the double-person or walking radical, indicating movement, travel, or steps along a path. The right side is the phonetic component , which independently means 'shield'. The original meaning was physically walking along a specific route, following a wall, or tracing a boundary. From this literal action, the meaning broadened to abstract concepts: complying with rules, following established precedents, abiding by laws, and moving in a continuous or cyclical pattern. The walking radical anchors the character in the idea of sequential progression, applying equally to physical footsteps along a path and the metaphorical steps of adhering to a procedural sequence.

Etymology Hide

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)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 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)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

环很重要。

Xúnhuán hěn zhòngyào.

The cycle is very important.

我们遵规则。

Wǒmen zūnxún guīzé.

We follow the rules.

着地图走。

Tā xúnzhe dìtú zǒu.

He follows the map.

环使用节约资源。

Xúnhuán shǐyòng jiéyuē zīyuán.

Recycling saves resources.

我们必须遵法律。

Wǒmen bìxū zūnxún fǎlǜ.

We must follow the law.

着线索找到答案。

Xúnzhe xiànsuǒ zhǎodào dá'àn.

Follow the clues to find the answer.

历史发展有环规律。

Lìshǐ fāzhǎn yǒu xúnhuán guīlǜ.

Historical development has cyclical patterns.

传统的同时也要创新。

Zūnxún chuántǒng de tóngshí yě yào chuàngxīn.

While following tradition, we also need to innovate.