Definitions

xùn (adjective) modest; yielding; unpretentious
xùn (adjective) inferior to
xùn (verb) to abdicate

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "逊", traditionally written as "遜", combines the radical "辶" denoting movement with the component "孫" meaning grandson or descendant, which also provides phonetic guidance. Initially, this structure conveyed the literal act of retreating or withdrawing, based on the concept of moving backward. Over time, the meaning extended metaphorically to encompass behavioral traits such as humility and modesty, implying a yielding disposition, and later developed the sense of being inferior or lacking in comparison. In its simplified form "逊", the component "孫" is replaced by "孙", its abbreviated counterpart, while the radical "辶" is retained, continuing to suggest a connection to motion within the character's conceptual framework.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他是个谦的人。

Tā shì gè qiānxùn de rén.

He is a modest person.

她的表演毫不色。

Tā de biǎoyǎn háo bù xùnsè.

Her performance is not inferior at all.

这款产品于竞争对手。

Zhè kuǎn chǎnpǐn xùn yú jìngzhēng duìshǒu.

This product is inferior to competitors.

他的态度总是很谦

Tā de tàidù zǒng shì hěn qiānxùn.

His attitude is always very modest.

在才华上,他略一筹。

Zài cáihuá shàng, tā lüè xùn yī chóu.

In terms of talent, he is slightly inferior.

新版本的功能并不色于旧版本。

Xīn bǎnběn de gōngnéng bìng bù xùnsè yú jiù bǎnběn.

The functions of the new version are not inferior to the old version.

尽管他很有成就,但为人十分谦,从不炫耀。

Jǐnguǎn tā hěn yǒu chéngjiù, dàn wéirén shífēn qiānxùn, cóng bù xuànyào.

Although he has great achievements, he is very modest and never shows off.

在质量方面,这种材料显然于另一种,但价格更有优势。

Zài zhìliàng fāngmiàn, zhè zhǒng cáiliào xiǎnrán xùn yú lìng yī zhǒng, dàn jiàgè gèng yǒu yōushì.

In terms of quality, this material is obviously inferior to another kind, but the price is more advantageous.