Definitions

yùn (verb) to transport; to carry; to move
yùn (verb) to use; to apply
yùn (noun) fortune; luck; fate

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The traditional character 運 is composed of the semantic component 辶, indicating movement, and the phonetic component 軍, which also contributed a meaning related to military affairs and, by extension, cyclical movement. Its original meaning was "to move", "to transport", or "to use", associated with the motion of troops or celestial bodies. Over time, the meaning extended into more abstract domains, notably "fortune" or "fate", conceptualized as something that turns or moves in cycles. In its simplified form 运, the phonetic element 軍 was replaced by 云, which solely provides a phonetic cue while the meaning-bearing radical 辶 was retained. This structural change did not alter the core set of meanings associated with the character.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

火车输货物。

Huǒchē yùnshū huòwù.

Trains transport goods.

他的气一直很好。

Tā de yùnqì yīzhí hěn hǎo.

His luck has always been good.

这个应用程序很有用。

Zhège yìngyòng chéngxù hěn yǒuyòng.

This application is very useful.

这家公司营得很成功。

Zhè jiā gōngsī yùnyíng de hěn chénggōng.

This company operates very successfully.

我们要做好动会准备工作。

Wǒmen yào zuò hǎo yùndònghuì zhǔnbèi gōngzuò.

We need to prepare well for the sports meet.

商品的输成本有所增加。

Shāngpǐn de yùnshū chéngběn yǒusuǒ zēngjiā.

The transportation cost of the goods has increased.

他不相信命是由天注定的。

Tā bù xiāngxìn mìngyùn shì yóu tiān zhùdìng de.

He doesn't believe that destiny is predetermined by heaven.

这家集团在全球范围内作业务。

Zhè jiā jítuán zài quánqiú fànwéi nèi yùnzuò yèwù.

This conglomerate operates its business globally.