Definitions

garment

Etymology phono-semantic

clothes

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character is a phono-semantic compound combining the clothing radical with the phonetic . The radical establishes the character's meaning in the domain of garments, while dictates its pronunciation. Etymologically, it designates the hem, skirt, or lower trailing edge of a traditional robe. The character appears predominantly in historical and literary descriptions of formal attire, often highlighting the movement or elaborate design of these garments. Its meaning is strictly limited to this specific clothing feature, with no metaphorical or colloquial applications.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern