Definitions

àn (noun) case; file; record
àn (noun) table; desk; counter

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "案" is formed by the phonetic component "安" positioned above the radical "木", which denotes wood, suggesting an object crafted from this material. Originally signifying a wooden table or desk, often used for reading, writing, or serving food, the term gradually extended to denote the documents and records placed upon such furniture. This semantic expansion led to its contemporary meanings, including a legal case, a formal proposal, or a dossier, illustrating a shift from a tangible object to various abstract concepts over its historical usage without alteration to its fundamental structure.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
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

已经确定下来了。

Fāng'àn yǐjīng quèdìng xiàlái le.

The plan has been finalized.

警方正在调查这个件。

Jǐngfāng zhèngzài diàochá zhège ànjiàn.

The police are investigating this case.

他把重要文件放在档柜里。

Tā bǎ zhòngyào wénjiàn fàng zài dàng'ànguì lǐ.

He put the important documents in the filing cabinet.

这个子由王律师负责处理。

Zhège ànzi yóu Wáng lǜshī fùzé chǔlǐ.

This case is being handled by Lawyer Wang.

我们需要一个更详细的提

Wǒmen xūyào yīgè gèng xiángxì de tí'àn.

We need a more detailed proposal.

他伏工作了一整个下午。

Tā fú'àn gōngzuòle yī zhěnggè xiàwǔ.

He bent over his desk working the entire afternoon.

这件历史悬终于真相大白。

Zhè jiàn lìshǐ xuán'àn zhōngyú zhēnxiàng dàbái.

The truth of this historical cold case has finally come to light.

该项目卷保存了完整的决策记录。

Gāi xiàngmù ànjuàn bǎocúnle wánzhěng de juécè jìlù.

The project archives preserve a complete record of the decision-making.