About
The character "牧" is structured with the semantic component "牛", meaning ox or cow, and the phonetic-element "攵", which originates from "攴" symbolizing a hand holding a stick to drive animals, thus conveying the act of herding. Its etymology centers on the management of livestock, specifically cattle, from which its usage expanded to include the tending of sheep and other domesticated animals, as evidenced in terms like "牧羊". The meaning further broadened into administrative contexts, such as in the title "州牧", where it implied the supervision and guidance of people, reflecting a shift from literal herding to metaphorical stewardship. The consistent composition of "牛" and "攵" has provided a clear link to its pastoral and supervisory functions throughout its historical development.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
牧民牧羊很辛苦。
牧童骑在牛背上。
这片牧场非常广阔。
牧师在教堂讲道。
春天来了，牧民开始放牧。
每天清晨，他都会去牧场检查。
因为牧场管理得好，牛羊长得肥壮。
现代畜牧业采用了高科技手段，提高了生产效率。