祥

xiáng

礻 + 羊

Definitions

xiáng (adjective) auspicious; fortunate; propitious

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 礻 represents the meaning and 羊 represents the sound.

Semantic: 礻 Phonetic: 羊

About

The character 祥 is a phono-semantic compound with the radical 礻 on the left, derived from 示 (an altar), linking it to divine omens and religious rites. The right component 羊 (sheep) serves as the phonetic element, while also adding semantic value since sheep were prized sacrificial animals symbolizing goodness and favorable outcomes. The character's core meaning is auspiciousness, denoting good fortune, propitious signs, and a blessed future. It commonly appears in greetings and festive terms, describing peaceful, harmonious scenes that reflect the presence of blessings and the absence of misfortune.

Etymology Hide

Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)

Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个图案很吉祥。

Zhège tú'àn hěn jíxiáng.

This pattern is very auspicious.

节日气氛很祥和。

Jiérì qìfēn hěn xiánghé.

The festival atmosphere is very peaceful.

祥瑞的征兆出现了。

Xiángruì de zhēngzhào chūxiàn le.

Auspicious signs have appeared.

他的脸上带着祥和的笑容。

Tā de liǎn shàng dàizhe xiánghé de xiàoróng.

His face has a peaceful smile.

这座城市充满祥和的气息。

Zhè zuò chéngshì chōngmǎn xiánghé de qìxī.

This city is full of a peaceful atmosphere.

祥云环绕着山顶。

Xiángyún huánrào zhe shāndǐng.

Auspicious clouds surround the mountain top.

在传统文化中，龙是祥瑞的象征。

Zài chuántǒng wénhuà zhōng, lóng shì xiángruì de xiàngzhēng.

In traditional culture, the dragon is a symbol of auspiciousness.

奶奶的目光非常慈祥。

Nǎinai de mùguāng fēicháng cíxiáng.

Grandmother's gaze is very kind.

Related Characters

Component: 礻

Component: 羊

祥