About
The character 郢 is a phono-semantic compound combining the right-side radical 阝, a reduced form of 邑 (yì, 'city, settlement') that signals a location or administrative region, with the left component 呈 (chéng) providing the sound. It was coined as a proper noun for the ancient capital of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, and its usage remains almost entirely confined to this historical city in classical texts, without acquiring secondary meanings.
Etymology Hide
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.