Definitions

gāo pole for punting boats

Etymology phono-semantic

bamboo

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

As a noun in nautical contexts, 篙 is a phono-semantic compound for a long pole used to punt boats in shallow water. The upper radical 竹 (zhú, bamboo) indicates the material traditionally used. The lower component 高 (gāo, high/tall) provides the pronunciation while also suggesting the pole's length. Together, they define a tall, bamboo punting tool.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern