Definitions

Diān (noun) abbreviated name for Yunnan Province

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "滇" derives its origin from Dian Lake, a prominent feature in the Yunnan region, with its water radical on the left directly indicating this association with a body of water. The right-hand component "真" primarily functions as a phonetic element, guiding the character's pronunciation while possibly carrying connotations of authenticity or truth in earlier contexts. Initially serving as a toponym for the lake, the term was extended to denote the surrounding territory and the ancient Dian kingdom that flourished in that area. Through historical usage, the semantic scope of "滇" broadened from a specific hydrological reference to encompass the entire region, eventually becoming the standardized abbreviation for Yunnan Province, thereby marking its transition from a localized geographic term to a broader administrative and cultural signifier.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我去过池。

Wǒ qùguò Diānchí.

I have been to Dian Lake.

菜很好吃。

Diāncài hěn hǎochī.

Yunnan cuisine is very delicious.

红茶很有名。

Diānhóng chá hěn yǒumíng.

Dianhong tea is very famous.

我们计划去旅游。

Wǒmen jìhuà qù Diān lǚyóu.

We plan to travel to Yunnan.

西北的风景非常美丽。

Diān xīběi de fēngjǐng fēicháng měilì.

The scenery in northwest Yunnan is very beautiful.

缅公路在二战中很重要。

Diān Miǎn gōnglù zài èrzhàn zhōng hěn zhòngyào.

The Burma Road was very important in World War II.

云南省简称,位于中国西南。

Yúnnán shěng jiǎnchēng Diān, wèiyú Zhōngguó xīnán.

Yunnan province is abbreviated as Dian, located in southwest China.

文化融合了多个少数民族的特色。

Diān wénhuà rónghéle duō gè shǎoshù mínzú de tèsè.

Yunnan culture integrates the characteristics of multiple ethnic minorities.