About
The character 淑 is structured as a phono-semantic compound, combining the water radical 氵 with the phonetic component 叔. Its earliest attested meaning was "clear water" or "pure water", directly associated with the semantic field of water denoted by the radical. The phonetic element 叔 historically provided a sound cue but did not contribute semantically to this sense. Over centuries, the meaning extended metaphorically from physical purity to embody moral qualities, specifically denoting kindness, virtue, and gentleness, as seen in its application to individuals, most notably in the classical term 淑女 for a virtuous woman.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
她的性格很贤淑。
淑女应该举止优雅。
妈妈教导我要淑静。
这位女士淑德兼备。
她的淑气让人感到舒适。
在传统观念中，贤淑是女性的美德。
她以淑雅的姿态赢得了大家的尊重。
培养淑女风范需要从小教育。