About
The character 阉, derived from the traditional form 閹, structurally combines the radical 門 (gate) with the component 奄, which serves as a phonetic indicator while also implying notions of covering or suppression, thus etymologically pointing to its historical association with castration and eunuchs. This linkage reflects the social role of eunuchs as gatekeepers and attendants within imperial enclosures, where controlled access aligned with their altered physical state. Over time, the character's primary meaning of physical castration has remained consistent, yet its application broadened to encompass metaphorical uses, such as the neutering of language or ideas, thereby extending its conceptual reach while retaining the foundational imagery of confinement and modification inherent in its composition.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他们阉了那只公鸡。
为了控制繁殖，农场主阉割了母猪。
在古代，阉人被用作太监。
阉割过程需要专业兽医操作。
如果不阉割，这只公猫会到处标记领地。
有些人反对阉割宠物，认为这不人道。
阉鸡的肉质更为柔嫩，因此更受欢迎。
尽管阉割有诸多争议，但它仍是控制动物数量的有效方法。