Definitions

zhào (verb) cover; shade
zhào (noun) fish trap (basket)

Etymology phono-semantic

net

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "罩" is structurally composed of the net radical "网" placed above the phonetic and semantic component "卓", which conveys a sense of height or prominence, creating a combined visual and conceptual impression of something being covered or enclosed from above. Its etymology connects it to early practical objects, specifically a type of bamboo fishing trap or basket that would be lowered over fish, a meaning that directly informs its core idea of envelopment. From this concrete origin, the character's application broadened considerably to denote any cover, casing, or sheath, such as a lamp shade or a mask, and further extended into more abstract uses as a verb meaning to cover, shroud, or encapsulate something. This semantic expansion from a specific fishing implement to a general term for covering reflects a logical progression where the essential function of the original object defined the character's enduring conceptual field.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

他每天都戴口

Tā měitiān dōu dài kǒuzhào.

He wears a mask every day.

这个灯很漂亮。

Zhège dēngzhào hěn piàoliang.

This lampshade is very beautiful.

迷雾笼着山谷。

Míwù lǒngzhào zhe shāngǔ.

Mist envelops the valley.

他用布住了桌子。

Tā yòng bù zhào zhù le zhuōzi.

He covered the table with cloth.

黑色的云层笼了整个城市。

Hēisè de yúncéng lǒngzhào le zhěnggè chéngshì.

Dark clouds enveloped the entire city.

机器外面有一个防护

Jīqì wàimiàn yǒu yīgè fánghùzhào.

There is a protective shield outside the machine.

她用一个透明的子保护了蛋糕。

Tā yòng yīgè tòumíng de zhàozi bǎohù le dàngāo.

She protected the cake with a transparent cover.

浓厚的烟雾笼着工业区,能见度很低。

Nónghòu de yānwù lǒngzhào zhe gōngyè qū, néngjiàndù hěn dī.

Thick smoke envelops the industrial area, and visibility is very low.