Definitions

chài (scorpion); an insect

Etymology phono-semantic

insect

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 虿, traditionally written as 蠆, is a noun meaning "scorpion" or similar venomous stinging insects. Its traditional form combines the phonetic component 萬 (wàn) on top with the semantic radical 虫 (insect) below, placing it within the category of crawling creatures. The simplified version 虿 replaces the phonetic element with the simpler character 万, reducing stroke count while preserving the original sound and meaning. In classical texts and idioms, the character often evokes extreme danger or toxicity, drawing on the scorpion's natural defenses.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern