About
A phono-semantic compound, 聃 combines the semantic radical 耳 (ear) on the left, indicating its connection to hearing, with the phonetic component 冉 on the right. The character originally referred to a specific ear shape, flat, without a prominent rim, or elongated. However, it is primarily known as the personal name of the philosopher Laozi, and is seldom used outside historical or philosophical contexts related to his life and work.
Etymology Hide
