Definitions

biàn a braid or queue; to plait

Etymology phono-semantic

thread

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character for "braid" or "plait" finds its origins in the act of interlacing strands, with its traditional form "辮" structurally conveying this notion through dual "糸" components denoting thread or silk, which frame a central element historically associated with division or distinction, together depicting the fusion of separate threads into a unified woven entity. Initially referring specifically to the braiding of hair or cordage, its semantic scope gradually widened to encompass any similarly intertwined object or pattern, and it later carried particular historical weight when denoting specific hairstyles such as the queue. This evolution in meaning, from a concrete action to a broader conceptual category, is mirrored in the character's compositional logic, which has consistently anchored its interpretation around the theme of interlaced and bonded forms.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

她的子很漂亮。

Tā de biànzi hěn piàoliang.

Her braid is very beautiful.

妹妹今天编了子。

Mèimei jīntiān biān le biànzi.

My younger sister braided her hair today.

那条子是用红绳扎的。

Nà tiáo biànzi shì yòng hóng shéng zā de.

That braid is tied with a red string.

她喜欢把头发编成子。

Tā xǐhuan bǎ tóufa biān chéng biànzi.

She likes to braid her hair.

子松散地垂在她的背上。

Biànzi sōngsǎn de chuí zài tā de bèi shàng.

The braid hangs loosely on her back.

她决定剪掉留了多年的长子。

Tā juédìng jiǎn diào liú le duō nián de cháng biànzi.

She decided to cut off the long braid she had kept for years.

子的样式随着时尚潮流而变化。

Biànzi de yàngshì suízhe shíshàng cháoliú ér biànhuà.

The style of braids changes with fashion trends.

她熟练地将头发分成三股编成子。

Tā shúliàn de jiāng tóufa fēn chéng sān gǔ biān chéng biànzi.

She skillfully divided her hair into three strands and braided it.