Definitions

used in given names and as a surname

Etymology

About

龢 is a phono-semantic compound formed by the semantic radical 龠, depicting an ancient panpipe, and the phonetic component 禾 (hé, “grain”), which indicates its pronunciation. As a formal and archaic variant of 和, it shares the core meanings of harmony, peace, and musical concord. The inclusion of the flute radical underscores the concept’s musical origins, reflecting how coordinated sounds from a multi-piped instrument embody harmony. This etymology suggests that social or cosmic harmony is likened to the precise tuning and blending of musical notes.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern