Definitions

kettle; cauldron

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "釜", representing a cauldron or large pot, is constructed from the semantic component "金" meaning metal, which forms its lower part, and the phonetic component "父" positioned above, indicating its historical pronunciation. This structural arrangement directly points to its primary function as a metal cooking vessel, with the phonetic element guiding its spoken form in early usage, though the sound correlation has attenuated over time due to linguistic shifts. Its core meaning as a substantial cooking implement has persisted through the centuries, yet it has also acquired a metaphorical dimension in classical idioms, where it often symbolizes a foundational or volatile situation, as seen in the phrase "釜底抽薪". The character's visual form has remained largely unchanged, solidifying its identity within the written language as a stable denote of both a tangible object and an abstract concept derived from its utilitarian purpose.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Warring States (475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Jin dynasty (266-420 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我去过山旅游。

Wǒ qù guò Fǔshān lǚyóu.

I have been to Busan for tourism.

这个铁很重。

Zhège tiě fǔ hěn zhòng.

This iron pot is very heavy.

妈妈用煮汤。

Māma yòng fǔ zhǔ tāng.

Mom uses a pot to cook soup.

压力能快速烹饪。

Yālì fǔ néng kuàisù pēngrèn.

The pressure cooker can cook quickly.

他把旧放在仓库里。

Tā bǎ jiù fǔ fàng zài cāngkù lǐ.

He put the old pot in the warehouse.

这个由不锈钢制成。

Zhège fǔ yóu bùxiùgāng zhì chéng.

This pot is made of stainless steel.

在传统厨房里,是重要的炊具。

Zài chuántǒng chúfáng lǐ, fǔ shì zhòngyào de chuījù.

In traditional kitchens, the pot is an important cooking utensil.

虽然这个外观古朴,但它的功能非常现代。

Suīrán zhège fǔ wàiguān gǔpǔ, dàn tā de gōngnéng fēicháng xiàndài.

Although this pot has a simple and antique appearance, its functions are very modern.