Definitions

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

Etymology phono-semantic

water

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "涵" originates from the concept of water and moisture, with its structure combining the water radical (氵) on the left with the component "函" on the right, which historically suggested a container or enclosure. This composition originally conveyed meanings associated with immersion, soaking, or being enveloped by water, reflecting a literal sense of containment within a fluid medium. Over centuries, its application broadened significantly from the physical realm to more abstract and intellectual domains, coming to embody the idea of containing or encompassing in a figurative sense, such as in the capacity for tolerance or the breadth of knowledge. Consequently, it developed into a term denoting cultivated depth and inward nourishment, often used to describe a person's subtle depth of character, reflective patience, or the comprehensive nature of an idea that holds multiple layers of meaning within it.

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.