About
骁 (xiāo) is a phono-semantic compound meaning bravery and martial prowess, corresponding to the traditional form 驍. Its left component is the horse radical 马 (mǎ, simplified from 馬), which originally indicated a strong or spirited horse. The right component is the phonetic element 尧 (yáo, simplified from 堯), which guides the pronunciation and may suggest a sense of elevation. Over time, the meaning shifted from describing a magnificent steed to metaphorically denoting the exceptional courage and fighting skill of warriors. Today, it primarily describes valiant generals or elite military units, largely overshadowing its original equine sense.
Etymology Hide
