About
The character "枉" is composed of the semantic element 木, meaning wood, and the phonetic element 王. Its earliest sense referred specifically to wood that was bent or crooked, indicating a physical distortion. This literal meaning gradually extended to describe abstract deviations from straightness or correctness, such as unjust actions or wronging others. Over time, the character's semantic range broadened further to include concepts like futility, as seen in expressions meaning to do something in vain or without effect.
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。