Definitions

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

Etymology phono-semantic

step

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

Composed of the movement radical 彳 and the phonetic component 盾 meaning shield, the character 循 originally implied following a path with the consistency or protection akin to a shield. From this concrete notion of physical adherence, its meaning broadened to encompass abstract compliance with guidelines or sequences, evident in modern terms such as 遵循 for following rules and 循环 for cyclical repetition. This character has maintained its graphical form without simplification, thus preserving its structural elements across contemporary usage.

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.