恩

㤙

ēn

因 + 心

Definitions

ēn (noun) kindness; favor; grace

ēn (verb) to show kindness; to bestow favor

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 心 represents the meaning and 因 represents the sound.

Semantic: 心 Phonetic: 因

About

恩 is a phono-semantic compound with 因 (yīn, "cause") as the phonetic element on top and 心 (xīn, "heart") as the semantic radical below. The heart radical places it within the category of emotions and inner states. Its core meaning refers to gratitude, kindness, or a favor bestowed by a superior or benefactor. The structure thus connects an internal feeling to the dynamic of receiving profound grace.

Etymology Hide

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我感恩我的父母。

Wǒ gǎn'ēn wǒ de fùmǔ.

I am thankful to my parents.

恩情永远难忘。

Ēnqíng yǒngyuǎn nánwàng.

Kindness is never forgotten.

我们要报答恩人。

Wǒmen yào bàodá ēnrén.

We must repay our benefactor.

恩惠来自朋友。

Ēnhuì láizì péngyou.

Kindness comes from friends.

这是上帝的恩赐。

Zhè shì Shàngdì de ēncì.

This is a gift from God.

恩师教导我很多。

Ēnshī jiàodǎo wǒ hěnduō.

My respected teacher taught me a lot.

他对我们有大恩。

Tā duì wǒmen yǒu dà ēn.

He has great kindness towards us.

他们的恩爱令人羡慕。

Tāmen de ēn'ài lìng rén xiànmù.

Their conjugal love is enviable.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 因

Component: 心

恩