Definitions

gǎo plain white silk

Etymology phono-semantic

silk

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phono-semantic compound: the silk radical (sī) on the left signals its textile category, while (gāo) on the right gives its pronunciation. The traditional form uses the full radical . It refers to a plain, undyed white silk fabric historically used for mourning attire, which lends the character associations with grief and funeral rites. In classical texts, it often pairs with other textile terms to stress stark whiteness or simplicity in contrast to colorful, embroidered clothing.

Etymology Hide

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)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern