About
枉 is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic component is the wood radical 木 on the left, indicating a connection to trees or timber, while the phonetic component 王 on the right provides the character's sound. The wood radical points to the original meaning: a tree branch or piece of wood that is physically bent or crooked. This sense of distortion naturally extends to an abstract moral or legal concept, representing injustice, wrongful treatment, or a perversion of the law. It also functions as an adverb meaning "in vain", describing efforts that are ultimately wasted, much like unusable crooked timber.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
你别冤枉好人。
这样做是枉然的。
他枉费了很多时间。
你的努力不会枉费。
他被人冤枉了很长时间。
你不要枉自猜测别人的想法。
如果计划不周，所有准备都是枉然。
尽管他极力辩解，但最终还是枉费心机。