珥 (ěr) — (literary) jade or bead earrings (worn in ancient China)

Definition

A literary term for jade or bead earrings worn in ancient China. You'll see it almost only in classical or historical writing — not used for modern jewelry.

noun
(literary) jade or bead earrings (worn in ancient China)
Measure word · 只
Easily confused

Examples

  • 珥。
    Tā dài le yí duì jīng zhì de yù ěr.
    She wore a pair of exquisite jade earrings.
  • 珥。
    Gǔ mù zhōng chū tǔ le duō jiàn yù ěr.
    Several jade earrings were unearthed from the ancient tomb.
  • 珥。
    Shī zhōng miáo xiě le nǚ zǐ pèi dài yù ěr de měi lì.
    The poem describes the beauty of a woman wearing jade earrings.

Origin

Sound + meaning
六书liùshū
形声xíngshēng

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
玉玉yùjade
Sound part声符shēngfú
耳
耳ěr珥ěr
Same sound today

珥 combines 玉 (jade) and 耳, with 耳 giving the sound.

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