Definitions

xuán (jade)
xuán variant of 璇[xuán]

Etymology

An orbiting  gem  also provides the pronunciation

About

The character "璇" is structured with the semantic component "王", a variant of the jade radical, combined with the phonetic component "旋", suggesting an original association with jade and the concept of revolving or rotation. Etymologically, it denoted a specific type of fine jade in early Chinese texts, often referenced for its quality and beauty. Over centuries, its application broadened from describing precious stone to metaphorically representing celestial bodies, as seen in the classical term "璇玑" which refers to the northern stars or astronomical devices. While its core meaning of something precious persists, modern usage primarily confines it to proper names and literary expressions, reflecting a shift from concrete material to an abstract attribute of elegance.

Example Sentences Hide

今天很高兴。

Xiǎo Xuán jīntiān hěn gāoxìng.

Xiao Xuan is very happy today.

在图书馆看书。

Lǐ Xuán zài túshūguǎn kànshū.

Li Xuan is reading in the library.

的生日是五月十日。

Xuánxuán de shēngrì shì wǔ yuè shí rì.

Xuanxuan's birthday is May 10th.

打算明天去北京。

Wáng Xuán dǎsuàn míngtiān qù Běijīng.

Wang Xuan plans to go to Beijing tomorrow.

如果有时间,她会来参加聚会。

Rúguǒ Xuánxuán yǒu shíjiān, tā huì lái cānjiā jùhuì.

If Xuanxuan has time, she will come to the party.

子正在学习如何制作蛋糕。

Xuánzi zhèngzài xuéxí rúhé zhìzuò dàngāo.

Xuanzi is learning how to make a cake.

尽管天气不好,还是决定去跑步。

Jǐnguǎn tiānqì bù hǎo, Xuán háishì juédìng qù pǎobù.

Despite the bad weather, Xuan still decided to go running.

玑玉衡是中国古代的天文仪器。

Xuánjī Yùhéng shì Zhōngguó gǔdài de tiānwén yíqì.

Xuanji Yuheng is an ancient Chinese astronomical instrument.