阐

闡

chǎn

单 + 门

Definitions

chǎn (verb) to express; to explain clearly

chǎn (verb) to enlighten

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 门 represents the meaning and 单 represents the sound. Simplified form of 闡.

Semantic: 门 Phonetic: 单

About

The character 阐 is a phono-semantic compound. Its traditional form, 闡, places the phonetic component 單 (dān) inside the semantic radical 門 (door or gate), while the simplified version uses 门 and 单. The door radical signifies its original meaning: the physical act of opening a gate to admit light and passage. From this concrete action, the meaning developed into the abstract sense of making something clear, revealing hidden truths, or explaining complex ideas. Today, the character is used almost exclusively to mean elucidating or expounding upon a concept.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

下面我来阐述我的观点。

Xiàmiàn wǒ lái chǎnshù wǒ de guāndiǎn.

Now I will elaborate on my point of view.

请简明地阐述你的理由。

Qǐng jiǎnmíng de chǎnshù nǐ de lǐyóu.

Please concisely explain your reasons.

这本书阐明了历史的真相。

Zhè běn shū chǎnmíng le lìshǐ de zhēnxiàng.

This book clarifies the truth of history.

报告详细阐述了项目的风险。

Bàogào xiángxì chǎnshù le xiàngmù de fēngxiǎn.

The report details the risks of the project.

他善于用例子来阐明道理。

Tā shànyú yòng lìzi lái chǎnmíng dàolǐ.

He is good at using examples to illustrate principles.

这份文件阐明了我们的基本原则。

Zhè fèn wénjiàn chǎnmíng le wǒmen de jīběn yuánzé.

This document clarifies our fundamental principles.

我们需要从多个角度来阐发这个主题。

Wǒmen xūyào cóng duō gè jiǎodù lái chǎnfā zhège zhǔtí.

We need to expound on this topic from multiple perspectives.

发言人进一步阐明了政府在环境保护问题上的立场。

Fāyán rén jìnyībù chǎnmíng le zhèngfǔ zài huánjìng bǎohù wèntí shàng de lìchǎng.

The spokesperson further elucidated the government's position on environmental protection issues.

Related Characters

Component: 单

Component: 门

阐