About
The character 杭, formed from the semantic element 木 denoting wood and the phonetic element 亢, initially represented a wooden ferry or raft used for river crossing. Its etymology links to the practical function of traversing waterways, which historically influenced its adoption as part of the place name Hangzhou, originating from a key ferry location along the Qiantang River. Over time, the character’s primary meaning shifted from the general act of crossing to specifically designating that city, while its original verbal sense was gradually absorbed by the related character 航, leaving 杭 predominantly as a geographical identifier in contemporary language.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
杭州是个美丽的城市。
我去过杭州两次。
杭州的西湖风景很美。
这种杭椒不是很辣。
我们坐飞机去杭州旅行。
杭白菊茶有清凉的功效。
如果你到杭州，可以参观灵隐寺。
杭甬铁路大大促进了两地的经济交流。