About
The character "檀", which remains consistent in both its traditional and simplified forms, originally denoted a specific type of tree, likely referring to sandalwood or other hardwood species valued for their aromatic and durable qualities. Its structure is a straightforward semantic-phonetic compound, combining the "wood" radical (木) on the left to signify its botanical nature with the component "亶" on the right, which primarily provides phonetic indication but also carries connotations of sincerity and solidity that align with the tree's perceived virtues. From this concrete arboreal meaning, the term's application broadened over centuries to encompass other trees with similar characteristics, such as the wingceltis or blue sandalwood, and further extended into cultural domains, famously appearing in compounds like "檀香" for sandalwood incense. This semantic expansion from a specific tree to a category of precious woods and their associated products was accompanied by the character's adoption as a surname, a common linguistic process where stable and esteemed natural elements become personal identifiers.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这张桌子是檀木做的。
我最喜欢檀香的味道。
寺庙里弥漫着檀香。
他收藏了一件紫檀木家具。
奶奶的檀香扇非常精美。
这块檀木的纹理清晰美观。
檀香的气息使人内心宁静。
工匠精心雕刻着那块紫檀木。