Definitions

é (bound form) moth

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "蛾", denoting the moth, is structured as a phono-semantic compound that integrates the insect radical "虫" to convey its categorical meaning with the component "我" serving as a historical phonetic element, linking the character's sound to its visual form. Its etymology reflects an enduring connection to nocturnal insects known for their attraction to light, a trait that has anchored the character's primary meaning across millennia without substantial divergence. While the constituent elements have remained consistent, the character's application in classical texts sometimes broadened to describe analogous phenomena, such as delicate, fluttering forms or behaviors reminiscent of a moth's drawn trajectory toward illumination, yet these usages never displaced its central reference to the insect itself.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

灯下有一只飞

Dēng xià yǒu yī zhǐ fē'é。

There is a moth under the lamp.

在扑火。

Fēi'é zài pū huǒ。

The moth is flying into the fire.

一只飞绕着灯光飞。

Yī zhǐ fē'é rào zhe dēngguāng fēi。

A moth is flying around the light.

窗玻璃上停着一只灰

Chuāng bōli shàng tíng zhe yī zhǐ huī 'é。

A gray moth is resting on the windowpane.

的幼虫以植物叶片为食。

Fēi'é de yòuchóng yǐ zhíwù yèpiàn wéi shí。

The larvae of moths feed on plant leaves。

研究飞的专家来到了森林。

Yánjiū fēi'é de zhuānjiā lái dào le sēnlín。

An expert who studies moths has come to the forest.

这只珍稀的类翅膀上有独特的花纹。

Zhè zhǐ zhēnxī de è lèi chìbǎng shàng yǒu dútè de huāwén。

This rare species of moth has unique patterns on its wings.

通过显微镜观察飞鳞片的构造非常有趣。

Tōngguò xiǎnwēijìng guānchá fēi'é línpiàn de gòuzào fēicháng yǒuqù。

It is very interesting to observe the structure of a moth's scales through a microscope.