穆

mù

㣎 + 禾

Definitions

mù (adjective) solemn; reverent; calm

mù (adjective) harmonious

Etymology

Depicts the ripe drooping ears of a grain stalk (禾). 彡 was later added as a decorative mark. Based on the original meaning "ears of a grain plant". The meaning of this character has shifted over time and now means "majestic".

Semantic: 禾 Phonetic: 㣎

About

The character 穆 combines the semantic radical 禾 (hé, grain) on the left with a modified phonetic element and the component 㣺 (a variant of heart) on the right. Its original sense described the fine, mature beauty of grain ready for harvest. This meaning later extended metaphorically to human qualities, denoting solemnity, majesty, and reverence. It is often used to convey a dignified atmosphere or a person’s composed, peaceful demeanor, especially in ceremonial contexts.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 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 Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这位穆老师很和蔼。

Zhè wèi Mù lǎoshī hěn hé'ǎi.

This Teacher Mu is very kind.

穆先生是我们新的邻居。

Mù xiānsheng shì wǒmen xīn de línjū.

Mr. Mu is our new neighbor.

清真寺的气氛庄严肃穆。

Qīngzhēnsì de qìfēn zhuāngyán sùmù.

The atmosphere in the mosque is solemn and reverent.

这座古老的建筑显得十分静穆。

Zhè zuò gǔlǎo de jiànzhù xiǎnde shífēn jìngmù.

This ancient building appears very serene and solemn.

穆斯林们正在庆祝开斋节。

Mùsīlínmen zhèngzài qìngzhù Kāizhāi Jié.

The Muslims are celebrating Eid al-Fitr.

穆罕默德是伊斯兰教的先知。

Mùhǎnmòdé shì Yīsīlánjiào de xiānzhī.

Muhammad is the prophet of Islam.

他的性格沉稳而肃穆，令人起敬。

Tā de xìnggé chénwěn ér sùmù, lìng rén qǐ jìng.

His personality is steady and solemn, inspiring respect.

大厅里笼罩着一派肃穆哀悼的气氛。

Dàtīng lǐ lǒngzhàozhe yī pài sùmù āidào de qìfēn.

The hall was enveloped in an atmosphere of solemn mourning.

Related Characters

Component: 㣎

Example Words