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Structurally, 窕 features the cave radical 穴 atop the phonetic component 兆. The original sense derives from the upper radical's association with depth and seclusion, describing something deep, hidden, or difficult to reach. This physical meaning extended metaphorically to human temperament, characterizing a woman's demeanor as quiet, reserved, and demure. The character is famously used in the opening poem of the Classic of Poetry, where it forms a binomial compound describing a virtuous and gentle maiden.
Etymology Hide
