Definitions

màn (adjective) handsome; beautiful
màn (adjective) long; extended

Etymology

Depicts a hand () covering () the eye () to gaze far away into the distance.

About

The character "曼" originates from an early conception of elongation or prolongation, structurally formed by combining "曰" suggesting vocalization with "又" representing a hand, thereby evoking an action extended in duration or space. Its initial meanings centered on stretching or dragging out, often applied to describe protracted sounds or physical movements in classical texts. Over time, the semantic scope broadened to incorporate attributes of slowness and elegance, as seen in literary descriptions of graceful dances or lingering melodies, which eventually led to its contemporary associations with beauty and delicacy. While the character's traditional form has preserved these compositional elements, its conceptual evolution from mere extension to refined aesthetic quality demonstrates a gradual shift in application without altering its graphical essence.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
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 Shang dynasty (~1100 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)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal 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)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们去谷旅行。

Wǒmen qù Màngǔ lǚxíng.

We are traveling to Bangkok.

她的动作非常妙。

Tā de dòngzuò fēicháng mànmiào.

Her movements are very graceful.

烟雾延到山谷中。

Yānwù mànyán dào shāngǔ zhōng.

The smoke extends into the valley.

声朗诵着诗歌。

Tā mànshēng lǎngsòng zhe shīgē.

He recites poetry in a drawn-out voice.

陀罗是一种宗教符号。

Màntuóluó shì yī zhǒng zōngjiào fúhào.

A mandala is a type of religious symbol.

哈顿是纽约的繁华区域。

Mànhādùn shì Niǔyuē de fánhuá qūyù.

Manhattan is a bustling area of New York.

城队赢得了英超冠军。

Mànchéng duì yíngdé le Yīngchāo guànjūn.

Manchester City team won the Premier League championship.

她的长发延到腰部以下。

Tā de chángfà mànyán dào yāobù yǐxià.

Her long hair extends below her waist.