Definitions

kūn (jade)

Etymology phono-semantic

jade

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 琨 denotes a fine type of jade or a similarly precious stone. As a phono-semantic compound, it combines the left semantic radical 王 (jade) with the right phonetic component 昆 (kūn), which indicates the pronunciation. Characters with the jade radical often convey purity, elegance, and high value. Due to these associations, 琨 is chiefly used in literary contexts to describe exquisite jewels and is popular in personal names to impart a sense of refinement and virtue.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Wu (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern