Definitions

kàn dangerous sea-cliff

Etymology

About

The character "磡" is a phono-semantic compound formed by the semantic radical "石" (stone) and the phonetic component "勘" (to survey), denoting a stone cliff or bank. Etymologically, it arises from terms describing stone embankments or boundaries, likely associated with the practice of surveying land. Its meaning has consistently pertained to such geological features, primarily appearing in topographical references and place names. The character's structure, comprising "石" and "勘", continues to signal its meaning and pronunciation in written Chinese.