Definitions

hán (verb) to contain; to include
hán (noun) culvert

Etymology phono-semantic

water

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 涵, structured with the water radical 氵 alongside the component 函, originally denoted physical containment or immersion in water, with 函 serving primarily as a phonetic element while reinforcing notions of enclosure. Its early usage centered on literal water-related contexts, but over time the meaning extended to abstract forms of inclusion and nurturing, as observed in terms such as 内涵 (connotation) and 涵养 (cultivation), reflecting a semantic expansion from tangible to figurative containment without alteration to its fundamental composition.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他的养很好。

Tā de hányǎng hěn hǎo.

His cultivation is very good.

这篇文章内深刻。

Zhè piān wénzhāng nèihán shēnkè.

This article has profound connotations.

她的笑容里着温暖。

Tā de xiàoróng lǐ hán zhe wēnnuǎn.

Her smile contains warmth.

这个计划盖了所有细节。

Zhège jìhuà hángài le suǒyǒu xìjié.

This plan covers all the details.

我们要有海的胸怀。

Wǒmen yào yǒu hǎihán de xiōnghuái.

We should have a magnanimous heart.

他的回答含蓄而有力。

Tā de huídá hánxù ér yǒulì.

His response is implicit yet powerful.

这个理论括了多种观点。

Zhège lǐlùn hánguò le duō zhǒng guāndiǎn.

This theory encompasses multiple viewpoints.

文化内是这座城市的特点。

Wénhuà nèihán shì zhè zuò chéngshì de tèdiǎn.

Cultural connotation is the characteristic of this city.