About
The character "莞" is structured with the grass radical (艹) atop the phonetic component "完", originally denoting a specific type of sedge or rush, Cyperus malaccensis, which was historically used for weaving mats. Its traditional form is identical. Over time, the character was borrowed as a phonetic loan for the place name "Dongguan" (东莞). From this association, particularly through the term "莞爾", which described a subtle, restrained smile likened to the gentle bending of the rush, the character acquired the additional meaning of "to smile" in literary contexts.
Etymology Hide
