Definitions

yáo the nautilus; the ray

Etymology phono-semantic

fish

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is the simplified version of the traditional character , formed as a phono-semantic compound. The semantic radical indicates a fish or aquatic creature, while the phonetic component denotes an ancient earthen pitcher or vase. In the traditional form, the radical was the more intricate , which was later simplified to , leaving the phonetic structurally unmodified. As a zoological term, it designates various species of cartilaginous marine fishes commonly known as rays or skates. The character is used primarily in scientific taxonomy and marine biology, with the fish radical providing a broad aquatic classification and the phonetic component distinguishing this specific term.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern