Definitions
(adjective)
plain; unadorned; simple
(adjective)
white; plain (color)
(noun)
raw silk
(adjective)
vegetarian
(noun)
element; constituent
(noun)
nature; essence
(adverb)
usually; always
Etymology
Depicts raw silk (糸) hanging from a rack.
About
The character 素 derives from the representation of plain, unbleached silk, an origin apparent in its structure which combines the silk radical 糸 at its base with an upper component depicting hanging threads, together symbolizing the material in its natural state. Its primary meaning of plain white fabric broadened to include general concepts of simplicity, basic quality, and lack of adornment, leading to its use in terms describing fundamental components or straightforward manners. This semantic expansion continued as it adopted the specific meaning of vegetarian food, emphasizing plainness from meat, and further evolved to express the inherent essence or true nature of things in more abstract philosophical discourse.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我喜欢吃素食。
他的素质很好。
水是重要元素。
她穿得很朴素。
时间是一个关键因素。
他有很高的文化素养。
我在美术课学习素描。
维生素对于保持健康至关重要。