Definitions

diāo (verb) to carve; to engrave
diāo (noun) bird of prey

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character '雕' is structured with the semantic component '隹', representing a short-tailed bird, and the phonetic component '周', which historically guided its pronunciation, pointing to its original meaning as a type of eagle or vulture. From this avian reference, the term gradually acquired the associated verbal sense of carving or engraving, likely through metaphorical connections to the bird's sharp beak or the prevalence of bird imagery in sculpted artifacts. This semantic expansion reflects a shift from denoting a natural entity to encompassing a human activity characterized by meticulous detail, all while the character's composition remained intact, preserving its etymological link to the avian world. Thus, '雕' has maintained a dual significance across centuries, embodying both the creature and the craft without undergoing notable structural change, its meanings intertwined through concepts of precision and artistry.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这是一只大

Zhè shì yī zhī dà diāo.

This is a large eagle.

艺术家刻了一尊木像。

Yìshù jiā diāokè le yī zūn mù xiàng.

The artist carved a wooden statue.

广场中央有一座石

Guǎngchǎng zhōngyāng yǒu yī zuò shídiāo.

There is a stone sculpture in the center of the square.

他的手艺把木头活了。

Tā de shǒuyì bǎ mùtou diāo huó le.

His craftsmanship made the wood carving come alive.

这些精美的花出自大师之手。

Zhèxiē jīngměi de diāohuā chū zì dàshī zhī shǒu.

These exquisite carvings are from the hands of a master.

他的文笔琢得十分精致。

Tā de wénbǐ diāozhuó dé shífēn jīngzhì.

His writing style is meticulously refined.

工艺需要极大的耐心。

Fúdiāo gōngyì xūyào jí dà de nàixīn.

The craft of relief carving requires great patience.

博物馆收藏着古代的玉珍品。

Bówùguǎn shōucáng zhe gǔdài de yùdiāo zhēnpǐn.

The museum houses precious ancient jade carvings.