Definitions

xiáng (adjective) auspicious; fortunate; propitious

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "祥" is etymologically linked to ancient ritual practices, constructed from the semantic component 礻, a variant of 示 associated with spiritual or sacrificial altars, and the component 羊, meaning sheep, which serves both phonetic and symbolic purposes due to the animal's role in auspicious offerings. Originally denoting concrete signs of divine favor or omens obtained through divination, its meaning progressively extended to abstract notions of general good fortune, prosperity, and benevolent outcomes, reflecting a cultural assimilation of ritual symbolism into everyday expressions of hope and well-being. While its traditional form has remained unchanged, the character's structural consistency underscores the perpetuation of its foundational elements across time.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个图案很吉

Zhège tú'àn hěn jíxiáng.

This pattern is very auspicious.

节日气氛很和。

Jiérì qìfēn hěn xiánghé.

The festival atmosphere is very peaceful.

瑞的征兆出现了。

Xiángruì de zhēngzhào chūxiàn le.

Auspicious signs have appeared.

他的脸上带着和的笑容。

Tā de liǎn shàng dàizhe xiánghé de xiàoróng.

His face has a peaceful smile.

这座城市充满和的气息。

Zhè zuò chéngshì chōngmǎn xiánghé de qìxī.

This city is full of a peaceful atmosphere.

云环绕着山顶。

Xiángyún huánrào zhe shāndǐng.

Auspicious clouds surround the mountain top.

在传统文化中,龙是瑞的象征。

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

Nǎinai de mùguāng fēicháng cíxiáng.

Grandmother's gaze is very kind.