Definitions

chá Sassafras tzumu

Etymology phono-semantic

tree

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phono‑semantic compound combining the semantic radical ('tree') on the left with the phonetic component on the right. This structure firmly places it in the botanical category: it is the common Chinese name for trees of the sassafras genus (Lauraceae family), deciduous trees known for their aromatic wood and roots. Historically, these parts were used in woodworking and to extract essential oils. The character acts as a precise taxonomic identifier in forestry and botany, and, as a straightforward pairing of semantic and phonetic elements, it has no separate simplified or traditional variant.