Definitions

cài the sound of fabric rustling

Etymology phono-semantic

silk

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character is a phono-semantic compound, combining the silk radical with the phonetic 'sacrifice, ritual offering'. Its historical meanings belong to the textile domain: primarily, it referred to colorful silk or a specific woven fabric used in formal attire. Additionally, dictionaries record it as the term for the silk strings or ribbons attached to ancient ceremonial caps and garments worn at official functions. Although mainly supplies the sound, its ritual connotations loosely reflect the formal, ceremonial settings where these silk items were used.