About
The character "汕" is structured as a phono-semantic compound, incorporating the water radical alongside the phonetic component "山", which together suggest an inherent link to aquatic settings. Its earliest recorded meaning referred to a specific fishing implement, often described as a bamboo weir or trap used in rivers, highlighting a practical function within traditional livelihoods. Over time, the character's application shifted significantly from this concrete object to become embedded in geographical nomenclature, most prominently as an abbreviation for the coastal city of Shantou. This transition from a tangible tool to a toponym exemplifies a broader pattern where Chinese characters acquire place-based significance while their etymological roots remain visually apparent in their composition. Although the original sense related to fishing has become largely archaic, the character persists in modern usage primarily through its role in denoting locations, thereby maintaining its relevance through a changed semantic focus.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
汕头是一个城市。
汕头在广东省。
我朋友住在汕头。
汕头是一个沿海城市。
汕头的经济发展很快。
我计划明年去汕头旅行。
汕头以其美味的海鲜而闻名。
如果你去汕头，一定要尝尝当地的牛肉丸。