About
Structured as a phono-semantic compound, 蹇 combines the semantic radical 足 (foot) at the bottom with the phonetic component 寒 at the top. Its primary meaning refers to lameness or difficulty walking, directly derived from the foot radical. From this physical impediment, the sense expanded to abstract notions of hardship, misfortune, or severe obstacles. The character can also describe exceptional arrogance or stubbornness, as well as hesitation or lack of fluency in speech.
Etymology Hide
