Definitions

xuǎn (verb) to choose; to select; to elect

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "选" derives from the traditional form "選", which is structured with the walking radical "辶" implying movement and the component "巽" primarily serving a phonetic function, originally conveying the act of choosing or selecting. Over time, its meaning extended to include related concepts such as election and the process of picking out, while the simplified form "选" replaces "巽" with the component "先", which acts as a phonetic indicator and introduces a semantic association with precedence or coming first.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这本书。

Wǒ xuǎn zhè běn shū.

I choose this book.

了一个苹果。

Tā xuǎn le yī gè píngguǒ.

He chose an apple.

我们举班长。

Wǒmen xuǎnjǔ bānzhǎng.

We elect a class monitor.

你可以红色或蓝色。

Nǐ kěyǐ xuǎn hóngsè huò lánsè.

You can choose red or blue.

衣服时要注意尺寸。

Xuǎn yīfu shí yào zhùyì chǐcùn.

When choosing clothes, pay attention to the size.

她正在挑生日礼物。

Tā zhèngzài tiāoxuǎn shēngrì lǐwù.

She is selecting a birthday gift.

如果你错了答案,就会扣分。

Rúguǒ nǐ xuǎn cuòle dáàn, jiù huì kòu fēn.

If you choose the wrong answer, you will lose points.

在众多项中,他最终择了留学。

Zài zhòngduō xuǎnxiàng zhōng, tā zuìzhōng xuǎnzé le liúxué.

Among many options, he finally chose to study abroad.