Definitions

lǎn (verb) to take into one's arms; to embrace
lǎn (verb) to seize; to monopolize
lǎn (verb) to take on (responsibility)

Etymology phono-semantic

hand

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "揽" originates from its traditional form "攬", which integrates the hand radical with the component "覽" to denote the act of drawing things into one's view or hold, initially conveying physical gathering or embracing. Over time, its semantic range expanded beyond manual collection to include abstract concepts such as assuming control, attracting attention, or taking on responsibilities, as evidenced in modern compounds related to management or solicitation. The simplified form "揽" preserves the hand radical while substituting the complex right side with the simplified component "览", thereby reducing visual complexity without altering the fundamental notion of encompassing or seizing.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 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

了太多责任。

Tā lǎn le tài duō zérèn.

He took on too much responsibility.

她总是下所有的工作。

Tā zǒngshì lǎn xià suǒyǒu de gōngzuò.

She always takes on all the work.

为了团队,他主动了错误。

Wèile tuánduì, tā zhǔdòng lǎn le cuòwù.

For the team, he proactively took the blame.

这家店用优惠客。

Zhè jiā diàn yòng yōuhuì lǎn kè.

This shop uses discounts to attract customers.

如果你了这个活,就要做完。

Rúguǒ nǐ lǎn le zhège huó, jiù yào zuò wán.

If you take on this job, you must finish it.

政府计划下基础设施建设。

Zhèngfǔ jìhuà lǎn xià jīchǔ shèshī jiànshè.

The government plans to take on infrastructure construction.

他因为了太多任务而感到压力。

Tā yīnwèi lǎn le tài duō rènwù ér gǎndào yālì.

He feels stressed because he took on too many tasks.

尽管知道风险,他还是决定下这个挑战性的项目。

Jǐnguǎn zhīdào fēngxiǎn, tā háishì juédìng lǎn xià zhège tiǎozhàn xìng de xiàngmù.

Despite knowing the risks, he still decided to take on this challenging project.